Canary THE
NEWS
EUROPA
Inmobiliaria Real Estate
Tel: 928 771 177 Fax: 928 765 800 Email:
info@europainmo.com
Web:
www.europaimmo.com
Open:
10:00 - 14:00 hrs. Monday - Friday 17:00 - 20:00 hrs. Monday and Wednesday
SELLING PROPERTIES FOR 24 YEARS !!!
The Canary News – Reaches Parts Other Newspapers Don’t Reach!
From Las Palmas City and surrounding areas to Santa Bridgida and down the coast to Puerto Mogan, The Canary News keeps the locals and tourists up to date on news, views and events around the Canary Islands. We are the ONLY FREE ENGLISH LANGUAGE newspaper on Gran Canaria. And don’t forget you can read The Canary News online at www.thecanarynews.com
FREE
ACTION! The Canary Islands’ most successful FREE Newspaper
GRATIS - FREI - GRATUITEMENT - VAPAA Every 2 weeks, Edition 24, 4th June - 17th June 2010
Page 5
San Fernando Celebrations
Page 7
Canarian Day Dia de Canarias
Page 16 - 17 2010 World Cup Wallchart
Meeting Matthew Vickers once again, our British Consul for Gran Canaria, I was immediately struck by how passionately he spoke about helping the British ex-patriot community to integrate into their chosen island of Gran Canaria. Matthew has been very busy out and about on the Canary Islands, influencing, supporting and offering advice to British people who need it, but he is very aware that the Consulate can only do so much. He’s keen to hear from local groups, charities and volunteers who are doing work in the British community to see what the Consulate can do to support and encourage their work. There are many charitable groups involving British people elsewhere in Spain, but here on Gran Canaria there don’t seem to be
many. When he asked us for our advice on what support groups were operational here, quite frankly, apart from the animal charities, we were at a loss to name any apart from some Scandinavian groups. This was going to be difficult! Thinking about and discussing life on Gran Canaria, we couldn’t come up with any charitable organisations who work to help our community. When thinking about the mainland and some of the other islands, we immediately remembered Violence Against Women, Age Concern, Macmillan Nurses, home help service, free Spanish language courses and many other smaller organisations who are doing a really great job in helping people who have chosen to emigrate to warmer climes.
Do we really not have a need for similar groups here? Are we really so self sufficient that we will not look to the future and see a requirement for say a ‘home help’ charitable organisation? We all know about the good work Jenny and her team carry out to help the unfortunate Canarian families who have fallen on hard times, and who, without their support would go hungry, but what about our own community? Matthew is keen to play an active part in highlighting and assisting charitable organisations who help the British community integrate into the Canarian Society. He wants to promote the fact that the British Consulate is here to help. I asked him to write an article for us to set out how the Consulate can help so watch out for it in our next issue. Story continued on page 4 ...
Page 18
Simon Spit Restaurant Reviewer
Page 20
Chilly Service and Quality
2 Island Information
The Canary News - Friday 4th June - Thursday 17th June 2010 - Issue 24
BUS TIME TABLE
Las Palmas Airport: 928 579 000
Sea Rescue 900 202 202 & 928 467 757
Sweden - 928 260 884 Switzerland - 928 293 450
Emergency Line: 112 Police, Fire Brigade
Consulates: British Consulate Consul: Matthew Vickers Edificio_Cataluna,_C/Luis Morote 6, 3rd Floor, Las Palmas Opening hours: Mon to Fri 8.30am to 1.30pm Telephone 928 262 508 www.ukinspain.com
Taxis: 928 154 77 or 902 192 019
Ambulance: 928 492 112 Fire Brigade Las Palmas 928 446 444 Maspalomas 928 762 671 Playa del Inglés, San Agustín, San Bartolomé de Tirajana 928 762 671 Local Police Province - 092 Las Palmas 928 304 600 Maspalomas 928 764 000 Guardia Civil Province 062 Las Palmas 928 762 898 Puerto Rico 928 736 817 S. Bartolomé 928 750 222 National Police Las Palmas Masapalomas 928 764 000
Canary News Contacts Sales:
sales@thecanarynews.com
Accounts:
accounts@thecanarynews.com
Production:
production@thecanarynews.com
Editor:
editor@thecanarynews.com
Telephone: 697 724 949
Office opening hours Mon - Fri 9am-6pm
Deadline Adverts, copy changes, classifieds, clubs and editorial copy: Friday noon for the following Friday’s edition to air your views. Letters on any subject are welcomed by the Editor for publication and must arrive by 12 noon on Friday for consideration for the following Friday’s edition. Priority will be given to letters dealing with local issues. We reserve the right to amend or shorten letters. The Canary News accepts no responsibility for readers´comments. If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of our service you can write to Edificio Mercurio Torre 1, 2ºE, Playa del Inglés, Gran Canaria, España.
To get your paper
Looking for a copy of your FREE The Canary News then call Brian on 667 994 351 to find out where you can pick up your newspaper.
Ferries: Fred Olsen 928 495 040 Transmediterranea 928 273 884 Armas 928 327 383
Irish Consulate 195, Leon y Castillo, Las Palmas Telephone 928 297 728 Austria Belgium Denmark Finland France Germany Italy Luxembourg Netherlands Norway Portugal -
Consumer Issues: http://ec.europa.eu/ consumers/index_en.htm
928 782 500 928 461 718 928 264 764 928 224 358 928 292 371 928 491 880 928 241 911 928 243 431 922 271 721 928 495 035 928 233 144
International Directory Enquires: 025 UK Operator: 900 990044 Lost/Stolen credit cards: 900 974445
www.thecanarynews.com
International Pension Centre 0044 191 21 87777 www.thepensionservice. ov.uk Bereavement Benefit 00441912183847 Medical Benefits 0044 191 2181999 (www.dh.gov.uk) HMRC Chemists: Maspalomas 928 141 552 Playa del Ingles 928 762 173 San Fernando 928 771 625 Arguineguin 928 151 339 Puerto Rico 928 560 661 Mogan 928 565 504 Age Concern España 902 003 838 (www. acespana.org) Swimming Safety Red_flag: No swimming Yellow_flag:Swim with care Green_flag:Safe to swim
Health Centre Appointments 012
Markets in Gran Canaria Agüimes In front of the municipal swimming pool Thursdays 09:00-14:00 Arguineguín La Plaza Negra: Every Tuesday 08:00-14:00 CC Ancora Every Thursday 08.00-14.00 TARA Second Hand Market, Plaza de Pino Seco, Arguinegín Every Saturday 9.00 onwards Arucas Calle Francisco Gourier: Every Saturday 08:00-14:00 Gáldar General Market Plaza de Santiago de Apostól: Every Thursday 08:00-14:00. Gáldar Collectors’ Market Guaires, 26, Tel: 928.55.21.40 Ingenio En el Ejido: First Sunday of every month 09.00-15.00 Jinámar Ramblas de Jinámar (Telde): Sundays 9:00-15:00 Las Palmas Rastro Terrace on top of the bus station Every Sunday 8.00-14.00 Maspalomas Second Hand Market CC Faro 2, Campo Internacional, Maspalomas Sundays 10.00 onwards Maspalomas Artisans’ Market Next to Global Bus Station Meloneras Mercadillo en Meloneras: Every Thursday 10.00-17.00 Mendizábal Calle de Mendizábal, Vegueta, Las Palmas Third Saturday of every month Moya On top of the bus station: Every Sunday 08:00-14:00 Playa del Inglés Artesan market, at Parque Europeo, (next to the Minitren) Everyday except Sunday 19.30-23.30. Puerto de Mogán Traditional craft market Plaza del Parking, Puerto de Mogán: Every Monday 09.00-14.30 Puerto de Mogán General Market El Muelle Deportivo: Every Friday 08:00-14:00 San Fernando San Fernando Municipal Market, Maspalomas. Every Wednesday and Saturday: 08:00-14:00 San Fernando Municipal Market Skating ring in San Fernando Every second Sunday 09:00-14:00 San Mateo Every Saturday: 08:00-20:00 and Sundays 08:00-15:00. Santa Brígida Underneath the municipal park in Villa de Santa Brígida. Every Saturday 08:00-20:00 and every Sunday from 08:00-14:00 Santa Catalina Mercadillo in Las Palmas de G.C. Art Gallery of Parque de Santa Catalina Every Sunday between 08.00-14.00.
Santa Lucia Mercadillo de Santa Lucia: Every Sunday 8.00-14.00 Santa María de Guía Plaza del Casco Historico Every Tuesday and Sunday 10.00-14.00 Telde Plaza de San Gregorio, by the bus station Every Saturday 08:00-14:00 Teror Around the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pino Every Sunday 08:00-14:00 Valleseco Mercado Municipal : Every Sunday 08.00-14.00 Valsequillo Calle Isla de la Gomera : Every Sunday 08:00-14:00 Vecindario Agricultural Market Recinto Ferial Every Monday 08:00-14:00 on La Karpa, Avda. de las Tirajanas Every second Saturday 08.00-14.00 Vecindario General Market Recinto Ferial Every Wednesday 08.00-14.00 Vegueta, Cultural and Craftsmanship market Plaza del Pilar Nuevo, Las Palmas de G.C. Every Sunday of every month (except July, August and Sept.) 10.00-14.00.
Distribution Points Just to remind our advertisers and readers that our distribution network covers all of Las Palmas, including tourist offices, Marks and Spencer, large hotels, main shopping centres, the museum, schools and colleges, the Spanish National Health hospital, private clinics, together with smaller private businesses, such as bars and restaurants. The Canary News can now be found in Santa Brigida at the main Spar supermarket in the town; an area which we will be expanding in the future. Other distribution outlets cover the coastline from Las Palmas down to Puerto Mogan but we are always looking for additional, good public places to leave copies of the newspaper. And don’t forget you can always read the newspaper online at www.thecanarynews.com For further details please contact Brian on 667 994 351.
The Canary News does not accept any responsibility for claims made by advertisers, either in advertisements or advertorials, nor can it be held responsible for any inaccuracies, errors, or the non appearance of advertisements or advertorials. This publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors as a result of poor quality artwork or logos supplied by advertisers and no responsibility is accepted for any loss or damage caused by any error or inaccuracy or nonappearance of an advertisement or advertorial. Every effort will be made to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of articles and advertisements in this publication, however the publisher does not accept responsiblity for claims or opinions in the same. Reproduction of any part of this newspaper without the consent of the publisher is prohibited E & O E. Edita: JDC Canaries SLU, Imprime: Canarias7, C/Mimosas, s/n-Parcela 131-1ª Fase-Manzana V 35119 Pol. Ind. Arinaga, Villa de Agüimes, Gran Canaria, España.
Events 3
www.thecanarynews.com
Issue 24 - Friday 4th June - Thursday 17th June 2010 - The Canary News
EUROPA
Inmobiliaria Real Estate
PLAYA DEL INGLÉS
TOPFLOOR WITH BEAUTIFUL SEAVIEW. Completely renovated and furnished apartment with 55 m2 living area. It consists of one bedroom, livingroom with kitchen, bathroom and balcony. Complex with large pools and proper parkinglots. Low community fee !! Price: 98.000 euros
Edificio Mercurio Torre 1, 1st G E-35100, Playa del Inglés, Gran Canaria, Spain
Hotline: +34 928 771 177 Fax: +34 928 765 800
Email: info@europainmo.com Web: www.europainmo.com
Open: 10:00 - 14:00 hrs. Monday - Friday 17:00 - 20:00 hrs. Monday and Wednesday
MASPALOMAS
DIRECTLY AT THE GOLFCOURSE. Bungalows “Campo Golf”, groundfloor one-bedroom bungalow with sunny terrace in best location. Precious and very popular complex with all ameneties available. Low communityfee. Price: 138.000 euros.
PLAYA DEL INGLÉS
MONTE LEÓN- BUILDING PLOT
SAN AUGUSTÍN
MASPALOMAS
TOP FLOOR. Bright, furnished three room apartment with balcony. Central. Quiet. Near Yumbo. Only three minutes walk to the beach. Heated Pool ! Price: 114.000 euros
UNIQUE SEAVIEWS Large apartment with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Spacious terrace of 16 m2 with spectacular direct seaview and the whole day sun. Large patio. Perfect topcondition and equipped with all details. No direct neighbour and very private. Price: 330.000 euros
PLAYA DEL INGLÉS
Very spacious, luxurious bungalow with large livingroom, fully equiped kitchen, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and large terrace. Central location. Forms part of a small quiet private complex with pool. Close to the beach and several shopping centres. Community fee only 70,- euros/month. PRICE: 360.000 euros
Excellent 940 m² large plot for construction. Is sold with or without project for a fine chalet. If wanted immediate realisation is possible. Price: 360.000 euro.
BUNGALOW NEAR GOLFCOURSE. Three-bedroom-bungalow within a small quiet private complex with pool. Large terrace and garden. Completely furnished and equipped. Low communityfee. Price: 240.000 euros
SAN FERNANDO
Large apartment with three bedrooms and two bathroom, seperate kitchen and a balcony con seaview. Parkingspace in garage is included ! Price: 144.000 euros
Fiestas and Upcoming Events HERE WE give you some of the most relevant dates during which something of general interest is happening on the island. Don’t be afraid to visit these events or even to actively participate in them, most are open to everyone and anyone. When wanting to visit a fiesta, always remember that most activities take part during the morning and then restart from about six pm. We are in Spain and both lunch and siestas are almost religious customs which all Canarians take extremely seriously. Also take into account that the big days will inevitably be during the weekend. Be adventurous and enjoy the Island like one of the natives! 1st Santa Lucia Tapas Route Now until 31st August. 1 tapa and a drink for 3€ in participating bars and restaurants. Avenida de Canarias in Vecindario and Santa Lucia Village. For more info contact your local Tourist office. Feria de la Zafra 8th, 11th and 12th of June Program includes craftsmen from around the island, folk, theatre and exhibitions about local tomato farmers. El Tablero. Cultural Visits “Huerto de Las Flores” 5th June Agaete To take part go to Casa de la Cultura Satunimita or your local Culture House.
Painting Exhibition by the Children of San Fernando 1st - 11th June Maspalomas Culture House. Free Entrance Painting Exhibition: Canvas Moon, Lunas de Lienzo 4 June till 4 September, open all day. Paintings using various styles by local Canarian Painters, with the chance to purchase them, prices between 100€ and 450€. Sala Atlantica, Hotel Neptuno, Playa del Ingles Regional Folklore Festival for the Xacobeo Year 6th June, 13.00 Plaza de Santiago de Tunte, San Bartolome de Tirajana Charity Concert by the Association Against Leukaemia Alejandro Da Silva 12th June, 20.00 hours Presided by Her Majesty, Queen of Spain Expomeloneras, Meloneras, Bartolome de Tirajana 15€ Entrance fee
San
Treks – Firgas, Barranco Azuaje and San Andress 5th June, Open to all For More info; turismo@valleseco.es Trek – Acequia Onda 12th June Valleseco For More info; turismo@valleseco.es
Getting hitched? It’s that time of year when plans start coming together for dream summer weddings. Spain seems to be a preferred choice for many tying the knot, and who can blame them with such spectacular backdrops for the big day! As a British citizen getting married in Spain, you may need to fulfil some formality requirements and get your paperwork in order. So, it’s advisable to contact the authority where you are going to get married at the earliest possible opportunity. This could be the local town hall, registry office or religious authority. They can tell you exactly what they need in order to go ahead with the marriage. It’s really important that you do this before contacting us at the consulate, as we’ll only know how to help you with your paperwork after you’ve spoken to the relevant authority. If you’re planning to wed in a religious ceremony, you’ll still have to register the marriage with the local civil authorities in order to get an official marriage certificate. It’s important, then, to establish the arrangements for this with the marriage officiator, and of course check that they are licensed to marry. Some of the certificates you might be asked for include a Certificate of Civil Status, a Certificate of No Impediment and a Consular Registration Certificate. These can be provided by us at the consulate and incur a fee. Certificates may depend on you providing information and swearing it under an oath or affirmation. Before requesting certificates from us, you should make sure that you have made the correct preparations. Once you’ve found out which documents you need, take a look at our website ukinspain. fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/living-in-spain/marriage-in-spain for more detail on how to get them. If you need to come in and see us at the consulate, it would be worth ringing beforehand to check you’re bringing all you need with you, or if possible to make an appointment, so as not to waste a journey. Our website also has sample copies of some certificates, so you can get familiar with them before you speak to the registrar. You might even find it useful to take the samples along with you, so that they can clarify which ones you need. Getting documents issued, translated or legalised as necessary can take time, so make sure you look into this side of the wedding in advance. No doubt there are plenty of other preparations to take care of, so don’t let this slip your mind. Wishing you all the best in your married life and hoping you have a beautiful day. Matthew Vickers British Consul
4 Local News
The Canary News - Friday 4th June - Thursday 17th June 2010 - Issue 24
Continued from front page ... Something that is very dear to Matthew’s heart is the need to register on your community’s ‘Padron’or register. It’s quick and easy to do at your town hall (ayuntamiento) and the more people who are registered, the more money the council has to spend on services. It’s also a reminder for the local authorities of just how many of us Brits live and work on Gran Canaria which never hurts. Also did you know that if you are a resident you are able to obtain nearly 50% discount on flights to the mainland by using certain airlines? Or that you are offered a variety of evening and day classes at hugely discounted prices providing you are a resident? Remember, you cannot keep on complaining about the lack of services, holes in the road, lack of street lighting and council expenditure if you are not registered. Why? Simple, because as a registered person you are head counted and this will reflect on the amount of money each local council is given to improve its’ facilities. So, if you’re not registered, don’t complain!
Heat Wave Alert in the Canaries With the end of the long week end the Canarian meteorological services have issued a warning that a heat wave will be hitting the Canary Islands. Temperatures are expected to reach 34º C on the islands Of Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. With this we can confirm that the summer is finally here and according to the older and perhaps wiser generation, this summer is going to be exceptionally hot as we have had a very wet winter, so guys enjoy the heat but do be careful!
Smoking on the Increase In 2006 the Spanish government implemented some new tough laws with the intention of reducing the number of people who smoke, but after an investigation at the end of last year, the results have not been as expected as ‘smokers’ have increased by one point in the last three years. However since implementation of the law, what has reduced is the number of cigarettes smoked by each individual, possibly due to the ban on smoking in closed public areas, although the government do admit that the law is not being implemented as strongly as when it was initiated. In Europe the number of passive smokers has gone up to 30% of the total population, and in Spain 93% of the population is exposed to people who smoke. In order to reduce this number drastically the government are being asked to pass new laws and then to toughen the current law and prohibit smoking in all public closed areas such as bars, restaurants and discos. Added to these measures the Health services are also fighting for the publication of extremely harsh images to be printed on cigarette packets and which illustrate the results of smoking in a graphical way; a measure which has already been approved by the government.
www.thecanarynews.com
the island and all it has to offer to the ‘nth degree’. Let’s bring back our ‘utopia-seeking tourists who have turned towards the cheaper, all inclusive holiday destinations like Turkey. So, do we want to work together to improve our community? It’s up to you. Matthew and his team in Las Palmas would love to hear from charities, community groups and from anyone interested in doing volunteer work to see if the Consulate can help out. You can contact them directly through the office in Las Palmas on 928262508 or drop them an e-mail at LasPalmas.Consulate@fco.gov.uk Finally, we chatted about The Canary News’ idea about an exhibition to promote local businesses; both British and Canarian. Matthew thinks it’s a good idea and immediately offered his full support. I explained that once again we are trying to promote Gran Canaria – not just British businesses but also Canarian. We want to work with the British Consulate and the local government tourist offices to show that Gran Canaria is a force to be reckoned with. To promote
Prices on Gran Canaria Increase by 0.9% According to the National Institute of Statistics prices in the Canaries have increased by 0.7%, whilst the annual figure is also 0.7%. These figures are optimistic for consumers as the national rate in Spain last month was 1.1% with an annual figure of 1.5%. If we look at it by sectors we have to highlight the increases in transport 8.4%, education 2.5%, housing 2.3% and alcoholic beverages, which increased by 1.3%. On the other hand the following sectors suffered a decrease; food by 2.8%, entertainment and leisure fell by 2.6%, medicine by 2.4% and clothing, shoes and household goods was reduced by 1%. Added to this the IPC tax also increased in all communities with the exception of the Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Extremadura and Galicia where it stayed stable. With this the IPC Rate has registered its highest level since November 2008, a month in which inflation reached 2.8%. The statistics organisation attributed this to the annual difference in inflation and to the increase in cost of housing because of increases of gas and certain food products such as meat, poultry and potato by-products. The government expects that inflation will maintain moderate levels during the next few months; although consumption will not increase even though the prices will be kept stable.
Excavation Works Reveal Visitors to The Canarias 1,000 Years BC Archaeological finds in La Graciosa of numerous fragments of pottery, and dated 900 to 1,000 years
But if we don’t take action and don’t take an interest in our British community like others do, such as the Norwegians, we can’t complain about life here on Gran Canaria. By Genna D’Cruz Managing Director, The Canary News
before Christ, may mean that the Canaries were visited by sailors from the end of the Bronze Age. The findings of such characteristics have no precedence in the Canaries or the Atlantic coast of Africa, and opens new perspective about the antiquity about the knowledge of the islands. The pieces were located by chance in 2003 by the Palaeontologist, Francisco Garcia-Talavera, when together with investigators from the Tenerife Museum of Natural Sciences, were carrying out an investigation project called Macaronesia 2000, in the coastal fossil line of Bahia del Salado, on the Island of La Graciosa. As well as the pottery fragments, they also located numerous shells of the “Thais Haemastoma” which had been randomly smashed; a sign of human origin, as they did this to obtain the much appreciated “Purpura”. A number of large mussel shell from the “Perne Perna” species, which today does not inhabit the islands any more were also found, as were bones from what seems to be the tibia of a goat, and smaller ones from marine birds, all which still need to be determined. Due to the importance of such findings, Talavera asked the Laboratories Data and Radiochemistry of the University of Madrid to carry out the dating of the island of La Graciosa; test which showed that the pieces were between 900 and 1,100 years BC. The dating of the pieces is too old for it to be of Canarian origin, and we have no proof that the Canaries or the Atlantic African ridge manufactured turned pottery with these characteristics. For this reason we can only assume that it was brought to the Island by Oriental travellers, as the pieces can be closely related to them, and to be more precise ‘Fenisians’, as stated by Carmen del Arco, Prehistoric Professor of the University of La Laguna in Tenerife. By Tito Cabral
www.thecanarynews.com
Local News 5
Issue 24 - Friday 4th June - Thursday 17th June 2010 - The Canary News
San Fernando Celebrations Last Saturday 29th May, San Fernando celebrated their big day as part of the programme of their local fiestas which lasts until 6th of June.
gave their annual offering which consisted of non perishable goods destined for the needy within the community.
The “Romeria” style parade consisted of 18 floats decorated with typical Canarian artefacts, food and drink, and wound its’ way through the streets of this southern area covering a distance of just over two kilometres.
The party continued in the massive venue which the Ayuntamiento of San Bartolome de Tirajana had set up for the celebration, and consisted of live music and famous DJ’s who carried on the fiesta until the early hours of the morning.
The event this year managed to attract well over 5,000 people, who from 18.00 hours followed the parade in scorching heat, but it did not deter any one from having a good time.
The San Fernando Fiestas continue until 6th of June, so why not join us in our typical Canarian fiestas; there is plenty of food which is very good food and the extensive programme has surely something for everyone, so ask your local tourist office as I am sure that they will be more than willing to help.
Accompanying the parade, the “Parrandas”, Folk Groups, visitors and residents also made their way on foot, providing a happy festive congregation which each year attracts more and more people. The coordinator of the fiestas, Alfredo Dominguez, stated, “This year we have noticed that not only the “Romeros” (people who actively take part in the “Romeria”) have made the effort to come dressed in the typical Canarian clothing, but also spectators have made the effort, it is very comforting to see even the younger generations making an effort”.
By Tito Cabral
After reaching their destination in San Fernando Chico, the “Romeros” then
Real Estate On Gran Canary We started preparations for our new company in the real estate market in early 2008 with the intention to use our comprehensive experience and education to form a company which would adhere to the values and virtues of the trade and bring in something new for the benefit of sellers and vendors.
Our first step was to explore how the practice had been in the past and pinpoint in which areas we could do better. We soon realized that the issues were many, which of course is good when beginning a new operation, having thus a possibility to gain a stronger market position. Most of the problems we came across were related to lack of professionalism in the initial process especially when the parties to an agreement think they are saving money by avoiding lawyers while preparing and finalizing agreements. That attitude can too easily end in catastrophic chaos with subsequent additional cost – and eventually the parties involved might have to call in a lawyer to solve the turmoil with high extra unnecessary cost. Where I come from we call this attitude where the parties intend to shortcut for quick cash or just due to impatience: “To waste the euro and save the centime”. Also when buying real estate it should always be
kept in mind that people’s life savings are more often than not at stake and should only be dealt with by professionals.
Another issue which has caught my attention is the pricing of real estate and how the banks influence the market by opening their own real estate offices, where the issue is to offer lower instalments but by no means a better end price. To me this business attitude is “fools gold” with tempting instalments while the most important issue is the final price the customer is paying. I feel that the banks are ‘skating on thin ice’ by entering the real estate market with this attitude. They are not professionals in this market, rather financers whose aim is to maximize their profit margins The credit crunch has certainly had a difficult effect on us, but thankfully we are now experiencing increased client activity judging from reports from our many satisfied customers. On the other side of the economic downturn is that we have gained enormous knowledge, information and more importantly opportunities in acquisition; the banks have expanded their options for mortgages and interest is more favourable, the rental market is now more appealing as the owners are more flexible
in negotiations for long term rentals, to mention just a few issues. I have to say it has surprised me how seldom parties take the time needed for realistic negotiation and to search for the most pragmatic solution for a win/ win result for both, and I do advise that if the parties are not realistic in judging the market situation and their own trading power, then it is often better not to do business. High speed trading in real estate is to be avoided “better safe than sorry” is the motto, and I advise everyone to invest in solid legal advice from a good and respectable lawyer before signing real estate contracts. This way there will always be a happy conclusion to any transaction. In my company our aim is not to be the biggest - but we definitely want to be among the best – emphasising on: Reliable, personal and professional service, Honesty and diligence, And sensible pricing. Do not hesitate to give us a call today. It is our pleasure to serve you as well as we can. Please see our advert below for contact details. By Ragnar Hardarson
6 Local News
The Canary News - Friday 4th June - Thursday 17th June 2010 - Issue 24
www.thecanarynews.com
Airsoft – Playing At Soldiers! A very good friend of mine has been going on at me for the last few weeks to go with him on a Sunday and see them play a new growing sport on the Canary Islands called ‘Airsoft’. It involved getting up quite early so I kept postponing it week after week until finally I had to go. Basically a group of guys from different units, as they call it, play against each other simulating war battles; the exciting part being is that they actually use replicas of real guns. These only shoot small plastic pellets which weigh 2 grams, but trust me they are very painful if shot at close range. I was quite amazed on how far these guys can go, they are extremely organised and very disciplined about the game, and as mentioned earlier, they are
organised into a unit in which each member occupies their space and has their individual responsibilities. Further to this some members have military ranks which the others have to respect and follow orders. At first they might seem a little freaky but at the end of the day they take their sport seriously and only wish to make it as real as they possibly can. The team my friend Rishab plays in is called the “101st Airborne Canarias”, you see each individual group uses real military names which already exist around the world, and in the Canaries we have Navy Seals, Marines and so forth. The purpose of this is not only to be recognised amongst other groups but also to add to the realism of the game, they even go as far as wearing the original military badges and baptising the individuals with nicknames which they will use during every game. These are usually chosen because of something they have done, or depending on the role they have within the team. In addition to this they have created forums
which each member of the team can access in order to be told about the unit itself and when and where they will be playing or training. It also serves as a tool to communicate with other teams and challenge them to a game at any given time. Before each game, a scenario will be written about how the game will develop; maybe they will enact a hostage situation where one team has to liberate hostages or simply a face to face confrontation to see which team lasts the longest. They also chose their sites very carefully, as due to the nature of the game and the realism of the weapons they carry, they are forced to be extremely careful not to scare anyone who happens to pass by. There are no written laws or legislation concerning this game just yet but the Guardia Civil can go as far as confiscating their weapons if they don’t play sensibly and with caution.
Usually the teams will choose sites which are isolated such as “barrancos” or even abandoned buildings up in the mountains, again simply to add to the realism of the game. So it not only about playing soldiers and receiving military training, it’s about taking part in sports, enjoying the fabulous outdoor life and simply having fun on a Sunday morning. They do no harm to any one and they do welcome people who want to know more about it. However you do need to speak Spanish, for obvious reasons, as how can you follow an order if you don’t understand it! There are shops who specialise in this sport so if you would like to create your own unit and have a go, I would start in here as they will be able to give you all the information you need. By Tito Cabral
Local News 7
www.thecanarynews.com
Issue 24 - Friday 4th June - Thursday 17th June 2010 - The Canary News
Dia de Canarias – Our day! The Day of the Canary Islands (Día de Canarias) is a public holiday for the Canary Islands, Spain, and is celebrated on May 30 each year. This event celebrates the islands’ culture and people and also marks the anniversary of the autonomous Canary Islands Parliament’s first session, which was on May 30, 1983. Many cultural activities and celebrations are arranged for the Canarian Islands day each year with schools holding extra classes about the Canary Islands’ history and culture together with organized parties for their students in the days and weeks before. Many people hold private parties at home or in restaurants on the evening of May 29. Celebrations are held during the day and into the evening on this very special day which include: Special church services. Sports events. Public and private parties. Tastings of traditional foods and wine from the Canary Islands. Displays of cattle pulling sleighs. Domestic animal shows. Concerts featuring traditional and modern music. Exhibitions show casing art and crafts made by people living on the Canary Islands. Communal meals.
People also fly the Canary Islands flag on public buildings and in private homes Public life is generally quiet on the Canary Islands on May 30, and many
businesses and other organizations are closed. A great majority of stores are closed but some bakers and food stores may be open. Public transport services generally run to a reduced schedule although this year some ayuntamientos have provided special services for tourist and locals to attend the various celebrations happening throughout the island. Large events may have caused some local disruption to traffic, particularly in town and village centres, this year we have to highlight the programmes held in Valsequillo, Castillo Romeral, Las Palmas, Mogan and San Fernando who also celebrated their local fiestas.
Regional or local authorities are allowed to move the public holiday to a different date, especially if May 30 falls on a Tuesday or Thursday; many businesses and organizations closed on Monday, May 29, or Friday, May 31. The Day of the Canary Islands is not a public holiday for the rest of Spain on May 30. As you all know this year the bank holiday was moved to Monday as the 30th as it coincided with a Sunday which is by nature a rest day anyway. The Canary islands form an autonomous community of Spain, but are closer to Morocco and the Western Sahara. The Canary Islands were known to the Romans, but remained independent
until the Spanish invasion of the islands began in 1402 CE. The islands were incorporated into the Kingdom of Castile in 1495 CE. They became an autonomous community of Spain on August 10, 1982. The autonomous Canary Islands Parliament’s first session was on May 30, 1983. The Canary Islands’ flag is one-and-a-half times as wide as it is high. It consists of three equal vertical bands coloured white, blue and yellow. The coat of arms of the Canary Islands is on the blue band at the centre. The coat of arms consists of a blue shield supported by two dogs. There are seven images of islands on the shield. These represent the seven largest inhabited Canary Islands. A red crown is on top of the shield and a banner with the word “Oceano” is above the crown. The 30th of May we celebrate that we are Canarian and very proud of it, not in an independent way because we are not like that, if anything we like to share our culture and customs and as most of you know we like everyone and anyone to get involved. Canarians are extremely proud of being able to integrate with the various cultures on our islands no matter how difficult it may seem at times. I attended the celebrations in Vallesequillo; a medium sized village in the mountains above Telde, and was surprised to learn that they had already been celebrating for three days before. Yet on the Sunday there were the customary
displays of cattle pulling bales of hay, the fantastic performance of the children, singing and dancing in their national costumes and in the evening a wonderful musical event. As I walked through the village, it seemed to me that the whole community had taken part and made a real effort to celebrate our special day. I witnessed groups of children being taught how to play skittles, skipping and ‘pretend’ fencing by the local representatives of the ‘communidad’ games which I am sure our young generation have not even heard of. There was a Sunday indoor market selling all manner of fruits, vegetables, dried herbs and fresh cheese and bread. I just had to buy some of the local goats’ cheese which is delicious. Surrounding the square were the traditional stalls selling local handicrafts including baskets, tablecloths, honey, cheese and bread; the owners all dressed up in the Canarian costume. Even the youngest ones enjoyed the atmosphere and taking part in this our very special day. By Tito Cabral
8 Letters to the Editor
The Canary News - Friday 4th June - Thursday 17th June 2010 - Issue 24
www.thecanarynews.com
Please write to us and The Canary News will award the Letter of the Week a Free COMBO meal at Fusion Restaurant & Lounge Bar in Arguineguin (See advertisement below for address) The Canary News reserves the right to edit your letters and accepts no responsility for readers’ opinions.
Letter of the week Hi everyone at The Canary News, I would like to thank you both for the lovely article you placed in your paper. Last Friday night went great and Antonio welcomed me with open arms and when I was ready to scatter John’s ashes Antonio and his men were at the gate of the grave yard; also a rep called Ross from Thomas Cook was there. It was very emotional when Helen my friend said a little tribute to John then scattered his ashes in beside Billy The Kid! After that was finished John was given a 12 gun salute from the cowboys and cavalry on horseback then a standing ovation I’ll remember that for the rest of my days’, and if it wasn’t for Tracy of Big Bens, it would never have happened and I would never have met yourself, Debbie and the lovely Antonio Again I would like to say a big thank you to all involved for their kindness and also to Tracy for managing to put an extra stone on me with the great food she serves at Big Ben I hope to meet up with you all when I return next year with my kids and grandkids, also John’s kids so I can show everyone where John’s ashes were scattered and also to enjoy a great show Please give my love to everyone and take care Roz Faver xxxxx Roz, it was a pleasure to assist on such a positive occasion and to hear that Sioux City really pulled out the stops for you. We look forward to welcoming you and your family back on Gran Canaria. Ed
Sir, Congratulations on a fine and informative newspaper. My wife and I stayed in a very nice hotel in Taurito for a three week holiday, returning to England last week. The hotel itself, situated at the top of the hill on Calle Albacin was beautiful, but the area surrounding the hotel was like something from a third world slum! We were told that Gran Canaria was an upmarket island resort, more expensive than some of the other Canary Islands, but very beautiful, and worth the expense, all we can say is, they could not have been to Taurito. The road leading up to the hotel was an absolute disgrace, the footpaths were either non existent or so badly potholed as to make them unusable, the street lighting was not working ( or not there at all ) the only way to walk up or down was to walk in the road, which itself was in a deplorable condition with potholes so deep as to make the road almost unusable for some cars. To walk along this street after dark was inviting an accident and we had to resort to using taxis who charged a rip off price of 5€ each way! Not content with making it impossible to walk to or from our hotel, they ripped us off as well. This area is an absolute DISGRACE to both the hotel and the local authorities, when someone has a serious accident here and looks to the local authorities or the hotel for compensation, it will serve them right. It will not be me however, as we have no intention of coming back for a second time, we will try Afghanistan, the
roads might be better. With tourism being such a large and important part of the Islands economy, we are simply amazed at the utter lack of interest of the hotel and the authorities who need tourist income to stay afloat. Times are not what they used to be, and if someone does not wake up to this fact, Gran Canaria will be the losers. ( have attatched some photos for you to see the problems ) Kind Regards Will Thomas. UK We never fail to receive at least two letters or emails complaining about services, road conditions, prices etc. here in Gran Canaria. Will the people responsible please take this on board and at least try and placate our visitors by giving your views on the situation and what you are doing about it. Ed Dear Editor, With great interest I have been reading during the last few weeks the letters to The Canary News regarding problems with the real estate agency “Home Sweet Home”. Before my wife and I moved to GC in 2006 we had lived in Canada for ten years. When we came here we were almost shocked how in many cases real estate business is handled on GC! First of all you don´t need a licence from a real estate board to sell an estate here. Anybody who knows how to count to three is allowed to do this job. Since there is no real MLS (Multiple Listing System) in place like in North America, a lot of estate vendors choose to list their property with a number of estate agencies without keeping control over the asking price on the market. Result: It happens that as a potential estate buyer you find the same property at different prices, depending on the estate agency it is listed with! The amount of information you get on the desired property as a potential buyer is often extremely poor. What a difference if you look at the so called “feature sheet” at any estate agency show room in North America! In many countries you are entitled to sign the “Reservation Contract” (which among others defines the amount of the down payment) subject to two main conditions which of course have to be met in a short period of time in order to protect the vendor of the property: final financing approval by the bank of the buyer and the satisfactory outcome of a building inspection if the buyer prefers to have the house checked by a professional before buying it. If one (or both) of the two conditions is not met, the buyer is not bound to the “Reservation Contract”. This procedure is absolutely unknown here! Absolutely unheard of on GC is the so called “Property Disclosure Statement” - form as part of the notary contract. In this form (attached to this letter), which is signed by the vendor and the buyer, the vendor of a property answers various questions regarding general and structural aspects of the property by ticking off either YES, NO, DO NOT KNOW or DOES NOR APPLY. Example: “Do you have an updated “bulletin” from UNELCO (compliance with current electricity standards)” or “Are you aware of any moisture and /or water problems in the walls, roof, etc.”? Many of these questions give valuable information to the buyer which he would otherwise most likely not get in a legally binding form! Very few estate agents (if at all!) consult their selling clients on how to present their estate so it sells better. The reason may be the fact that many vendors prefer not to sign an “exclusive contract” with an estate agent.
So maybe from the point of view of the estate agent: “Why bother...?” Generally I find that on GC communication between estate agent and client is not very impressive. Unfortunately that often includes poor handling of the buyer´s wishes before viewing a property. Again, maybe due to lack of an “exclusive contract”? I could write a book about my observations of the Gran Canaria real estate business but don´t want to discourage potential buyers to purchase their “dream home” on this beautiful island. Franz Miltenburg Playa del Inglés Thank you for writing about your experiences. There are good, honest estate agents here on Gran Canaria (see edition 23 letters page). Different countries have different rules, and what one thinks is right another person will have a differing opinion. Good luck in your new home. Ed Dear Editor, Just a quick line to say how nice and helpful Bruno is at Bruno’s Supermarket in Playa del Ingles. My wife and I have just finished our holiday but while we were in Gran Canaria we popped into his shop as we hadn’t seen it before. (we saw it advertised in your newspaper). My wife can’t live without her real ‘English’ toast in the morning so we bought some bread from him. He told us which were the best loaves and then chatted to us about our holiday, saying if there was anything he didn’t have that we wanted, to let him know and he would get it. That’s what I call service. Regards, Ray and Jeanie from Yorkshire Dear Canary News, Just wanted to say what a great time we had at Gay Pride. Six of us came over from Birmingham (though we aren’t gay) and were nicely surprised at how organised and happy everyone was. We didn’t go to the parties, bit too much for us, but we went every evening to the Yumbo and saw all the acts. The live singers were incredible, good voices and dresses etc. What really pleased us was that we felt very safe very late at night. Loads of people around just having fun, and we only saw the odd drunk which didn’t really bother us as they didn’t get into fights as they would back home.All in all, it was a good experience and one we would repeat again. The gays on your island are really nice and seem to go about their own business without pushing it in your face. So well done the Canary Islands. The girls from Birmingham. As I said in my previous reply, this year was one of the best yet for Gay Pride. We are hoping to make the event next year even better, and the GLAY committee are looking at extending Pride over ten days. Ed
www.thecanarynews.com
Finance 9
Issue 24 - Friday 4th June - Thursday 17th June 2010 - The Canary News
Moneycorp The Canary News is delighted to welcome Stephen Tiley from Moneycorp to its’ team of feature writers. Stephen will be providing useful financial information on a regular basis for us and with this in mind we have started the series with a brief overview of the service and company. Save money on your international payments
mortgage and the necessary bills and taxes to maintain a second home abroad. Whilst Moneycorp cannot do anything about the weakness of sterling, they can help your pounds go further. We recommend using Moneycorp for all your international payments to and from Spain. Whether large or small Moneycorp will make it simple and save you money.
We are very aware that expatriates who are resident in Spain and the islands or own a holiday home, are suffering an additional economic blow due to the sterling/euro exchange rate.
Their experts will monitor the currency markets on your behalf – achieving the best possible rates of exchange.
The weakness of the pound has had a dramatic effect on the standard of living for most expatriates whose income is derived from UK based pensions or the transfer of funds from UK bank accounts.
Highly competitive exchange rates. No commission charges. Fast transfers, low fees. Ability to fix exchange rates for a set time period, protecting you from adverse currency movements. Expert guidance from your own dedicated Account Manager. No cost to open a Moneycorp Account.
The financial burden is also higher for non-residents paying an overseas
Using Moneycorp – The main benefits:
Sending regular international payments? If so, the Regular Payment Plan from Moneycorp is the service for you. It is specifically tailored for regular overseas payments like mortgage payments and pension transfers. The Moneycorp Regular Payment Plan is fully automated and takes the hassle out of overseas transfers. Your sterling is collected by Direct Debit – and the foreign currency automatically sent abroad. About Moneycorp Moneycorp has been dealing in foreign exchange since 1979 and last year traded over £11 billion in currencies.
Contact details:
The company has been accredited to ISO 9000 Quality Assurance since 1996 – a unique achievement in the foreign exchange industry.
To talk to Moneycorp about making the most of their services call them on 951 319700 or email stephen.tiley@ moneycorp.com for more information.
The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) Special Opportunities Fund is a significant shareholder in the Group.
Please remember to quote The Canary News when contacting Moneycorp.
10 Family Life
The Canary News - Friday 4th June - Thursday 17th June 2010 - Issue 24
www.thecanarynews.com
Cyber-Bullying Bullies and mean girls have been around forever, but technology has given them a whole new platform for their actions. As adults, we’re becoming more aware that the “sticks and stones” adage no longer holds true; virtual name-calling can have real-world effects on the well being of kids and teens.
text messaging services during certain hours, which can give bullied kids a break. Know your kids’ online world. Check their postings and the sites kids visit, and be aware of how they spend their time online. Talk to them about the importance of privacy and why it’s a bad idea to share personal information online, even with friends. Encourage them to safeguard passwords.
It’s not always easy to know how and when to step in as a parent. For starters, our kids tend to use technology differently than we do. Many spend a lot of time on social networking sites, send text messages and instant messages (IMs) by the hundreds, and are likely to roll their eyes at the mention of email — that’s “so old-school” to them. Their knowledge and habits can be intimidating, but they still need us as parents. Fortunately, our growing awareness of cyber-bullying has helped us learn a lot more about how to prevent it. Here are some suggestions on what to do if online bullying has become part of your child’s life. What Is Cyber-bullying? Cyber-bullying is the use of technology to harass, threaten, embarrass, or target another person. By definition, it occurs among young people. When an adult is involved, it may meet the definition of cyber-harassment or cyber-stalking, a crime that can have legal consequences and involve jail time. Sometimes cyber-bullying can be clearcut. For example, leaving overtly cruel cell phone text messages or mean notes posted to Web sites. Other acts are less obvious, such as impersonating a victim online or posting personal information or videos designed to hurt or embarrass another child. Cyber-bullying also can happen accidentally. The impersonal nature of text messages, IMs, and emails make it very hard to detect the sender’s tone — one teen’s joke or sense of humour could be another’s devastating insult. Nevertheless, a repeated pattern of emails, text messages, and online posts is rarely accidental. A 2006 poll from the national organization Fight Crime: Invest in Kids found that 1 in 3 teens and 1 in 6 pre-teens have been the victims of cyber-bullying. As
If your child agrees, you may also arrange for mediation with a therapist or counsellor at school who can work with your child and/or the bully.
more and more youths have access to computers and cell phones, the incidence of cyber-bullying is likely to rise. Effects of Cyber-bullying No longer limited to schoolyards or street corners, modern-day bullying can happen at home as well as at school — essentially 24 hours a day. And, for kids who are being cyber-bullied, it can feel like there’s no escape. Severe cyber-bullying can leave victims at greater risk for anxiety, depression, and other stress-related disorders. In very rare cases, some kids have turned to suicide. The punishment for cyber-bullies can include being suspended from school or kicked off of sports teams. Certain types of cyber-bullying also may violate school codes or even anti-discrimination or sexual harassment laws. Signs of Cyber-bullying Many kids and teens who are cyberbullied are reluctant to tell a teacher or parent, often because they feel ashamed of the social stigma, or because they fear their computer privileges will be taken away at home. The signs that a child is being cyberbullied vary, but a few things to look for are: signs of emotional distress during or after using the Internet withdrawal from friends and activities
avoidance of school or group gatherings slipping grades and “acting out” in anger at home changes in mood, behavior, sleep, or appetite How Parents Can Help If you discover that your child is being cyber-bullied, be sure to discuss how it feels. Offer assurance that it’s not your child’s fault. Talking to teachers or school administrators also may help. Many schools, school districts, and afterschool clubs have established protocols for responding to cyber-bullying. But before reporting the problem, let your child know that you plan to do so, as he or she could have concerns about “tattling” and might prefer that the problem be handled at home. Other measures to try: Block the bully. Most devices have settings that allow you to electronically block emails, IMs, or text messages from specific people. Limit access to technology. Although it’s hurtful, many kids who are bullied can’t resist the temptation to check Web sites or phones to see if there are new messages. Keep the computer in a public place in the house (no laptops in children’s bedrooms, for example) and limit the use of cell phones and games. Some companies allow you to turn off
When Your Child Is the Bully Finding out that your child is the one who is behaving inappropriately can be upsetting and heartbreaking. It’s important to address the problem head on and not wait for it to go away. Talk to your child firmly about his or her actions and explain the negative impact it has on others. Joking and teasing might seem OK, but it can hurt people’s feelings and lead to getting in trouble. Bullying — in any form — is unacceptable; there can be serious (and sometimes irrevocable) consequences at home, school, and in the community if it continues. Remind your child that the use of cell phones and computers is a privilege. Sometimes it helps to restrict the use of these devices until behaviour improves. If you feel your child should have a cell phone for safety reasons, make sure it is a phone that can only be used for emergency purposes. To get to the heart of the matter, sometimes talking to teachers, guidance counsellors, and other school officials can help identify situations that lead your child to bully others. If mis-managed anger is a problem, talk to a doctor about helping your child learn to cope with anger, hurt, frustration, and other strong emotions in a healthy way. Professional counselling often helps kids learn to deal with their feelings and improve their social skills, which in turn can curb bullying.
www.thecanarynews.com
Making a Difference
We all know how hard it is for people with disabilities to find suitable accommodation which is specially adapted for their needs here on Gran Canaria, including a simple requirement like renting a vehicle capable of taking a wheelchair. I know this from personal experience whilst trying to find accommodation at a reasonable price for my young nephew who wanted to visit Gran Canaria, but who then in desperation gave up and booked a holiday in Portugal. So it was with great delight that I responded to a request from Carlos of Leroy Merlin to have a look at, and write an article on, the new range of bathrooms they have on display in their store in Telde. On show was a complete range of bathroom fixtures and fittings, including the necessary ‘wheel-in’ shower cubicle – a must for my nephew who is paralysed from the waist downwards, and which will make life so much easier for our ‘third generation’ senior citizens who may eventually need these facilities. Carlos talked enthusiastically about the new range and explained that Leroy’s offer included a complete service – from planning and design to a full supply and fitting service, all with a full 2 year guarantee. He explained that they were the only store to offer this guarantee despite the fitting being subcontracted out.
As I learnt more and more about Leroy Merlin, Carlos offered to show me around the staff area and as we passed through each area the picture became crystal clear – Leroy Merlin knows how to treat its’ staff. Everyone has a permanent work contract and owns free shares in the company. It functions very much on a corporate structure, with teamwork and ideas and rewards being at the heart of its strategy. On display, you could see the efforts of the management and team; best idea, future hopes, future dreams, moral values with seven categories to choose from; team building as it once was and as it should be again.
A planner will visit your home and look at everything from electrics to plumbing to space; the price will include any adjustments or replacements, as well as the new fittings and will be shown up front on your estimate so there won’t be any nasty surprises when you receive it. The initial cost of this visit will be just 30€, which will then be deducted once you place your order. When you have chosen the items required and signed the order, if they are in stock, fitting will take place within 7 days. If they are non-stock items you need to wait about 20 days. You are able to liaise with the fitters to agree a date which is suitable to yourself not theirs. On completion of the project, you will be presented with a full and detailed breakdown of everything, which is included in the unique 2 year guarantee. From now until August, Leroy are offering special introductory prices which are discounted by 10%, this applies to selected speciality products and fitting (see their ad on the back page).Don’t be afraid if your Spanish
isn’t good enough to explain what you are looking for as Javier is your ‘English speaking contact’ who works within the bathroom department. I am impressed at this new direction from Leroy, but also curious as to why this decision to stock items for a specialist market had been taken. Carlos told me that they had been lucky enough to host a young man called Enhamed – 4 times gold medal winner from the Pekin Paralympics – who is blind, and who with his great sense of humour explained just a few of the difficulties he has experienced in so called ‘normal’ places. The 200 strong staff of Leroy in Telde really took him into their hearts and were asked to think of the future and what problems could lay ahead for people as they became older or infirm. It is Leroy’s policy to ensure that at least 3% of the staff they employ fall into the category of ‘disabled’ (a label I personally hate as many disabled people are more on the ball than their so-called able bodied counterparts!).
Real ‘Customer Care’ It’s nice to be able to write articles on people helping others’ and to be more precise a telephone company. What I hear you say, a telephone company? The dreaded places where we all queue for hours on end and never get any further with our dispute or query, coming second only to the Post Office in the list of ‘places we most hate to go’. Having purchase one of the new Vodafone USB modem sticks with a WIFI base I was anxious to ‘get connected’ via the mobile network as we do not have a fixed landline where we are. The modem worked perfectly, but sadly the WIFI base, which was an important part of the Vodafone offer, connecting more than one laptop at the same time, was
Feature 11
Issue 24 - Friday 4th June - Thursday 17th June 2010 - The Canary News
‘playing up’. It would not work despite following the instructions provided, so back I went to the shop where I bought it.
Unfortunately the shop assistants, who were very nice, are not trained in these ‘new fangled’ methods and therefore had to call an expert. Along came Sanjay who tried everything in his power to fix things, but no luck. In the end we had to send the base back to the manufacturer who then returned it two weeks later. In the meantime we did manage by ‘sharing’ the USB modem and taking our turn at connecting. Back came the base and once again I tried everything to make it work,
including calling the technical help desk who told me to take it back to the shop. Not to bore you any further, I made an appointment to see Sanjay who asked me to bring along the offending item, together with my laptop, (I actually took both laptops as I wanted to make sure they would both work). Thank goodness the offending item did not work in the shop and make me look like an idiot (as usually happens). An hour later, everything working as it should, I had a few moments with Sanjay to ask him about the Vodafone franchises. He told me that although there are many Vodafone shops on the island, there are only about eight qualified technical centres, two of them being
Although ‘new blood’ is occasionally brought in from external sources to keep the company from stagnating, Leroy’s policy is to promote from within, and so this will be my last meeting with Carlos, who has been promoted to Head Office in Madrid. The Canary News wishes Carlos much success in his new post; it has been a pleasure working with such a genuine and forward thinking person. We would like to welcome Jesus, his replacement, and look forward to forming as good a business relationship as we previously had with Carlos. Well done to Leroy Merlin for giving its workforce a sense of purpose and direction and for looking to the requirements of a sector of our population which seems to have been ignored for too long! By Debbie Wenn
his own. It is only at the centres where you are able to obtain more in depth help on Vodafone products. Sanjay is such a nice young man who wouldn’t give up until he had resolved my problem and was satisfied that everything was working correctly. So let me suggest if you need Vodafone products you buy them from his two shops; one in CC Metro, Playa del Ingles, or the other in CC Bellavista, San Fernando as you will certainly get the good customer service we all deserve. By Debbie Wenn
12 Scandinavian Scene
The Canary News - Friday 4th June - Thursday 17th June 2010 - Issue 24
www.thecanarynews.com
Thank You Norway with Nina Blaafjell As you already know, 17th May was Norwegian National Day which is also celebrated here in Gran Canaria. The neighbours association, Las Lomas de Arguineguin had previously, in The Canary News, thanked the Norwegian community for their financial help with providing food for those who need it most in Mogan.
On the 17th May the Parents Association at the Norwegian school, represented by Steinar Korschelt,
presented the association with a gift of 1200€ which were the profits from the lottery held at the school on the day. In return the association presented the Norwegian community in Gran Canaria with a ‘thank you gift’; a canvas featuring the 7 islands of the Canaries, painted by local artist JJ Falcon and with a plaque attached engraved with a message thanking the Norwegian community. The association was represented by Helen Gay Oulpon, Leonora Garido & Eli Wåge. Monetary donations for the association can be made via their account La Caja de Ahorros del Mediterráneo (CAM) , sucursal de Arguineguín: (IBAN ES62) 2090 5702 60 0040064235 Please also remember that the association is very happy to receive food donations. Canned or long life products are especially desirable. You can drop off food donations to Puerto Rico Diving in the Europa Centre in Puerto Rico or contact the association on avlaslomas@gmail. com or by telephone 675831822..
Animal Rescue Part 3
As a result of the article published in the Canary News about Anita Bratli, a Norwegian lady living here and helping animals through local organisation Tara, we were contacted by another Norwegian lady who is passionate about helping animals.
Marianne Øyen has a place in Norway called Solplassen. It is an old smallholding which Marianne bought and where they look after dogs. Marianne has a particular passion for old dogs and dogs with problems. At Solplassen they can live a full life if they are not able to offer them a new permanent home. Some of the dogs stay there permanently but Marianne also works to re-home dogs. She often comes to Gran Canaria as she owns an apartment here and over the years has become involved in taking dogs back to Norway from Gran Canaria.
It is often older dogs or dogs with health problems but also other dogs for re-homing. The dogs Marianne takes back to Norway come from the municipal pound here in Gran Canaria where unfortunately the animals are destroyed after a defined time limit if they are not rehomed. Marianne has always been interested in animal welfare and has been working with animals for more than twenty years. The majority of the funding for the work she does is provided by Marianne herself with some help from donations. The organisation also gives supporters the opportunity to sponsor individual dogs living at Solplassen. Marianne works with several people, who live here in Gran Canaria, to take some of the dogs to Norway. One of the main problems Marianne faces is getting the dogs to Norway. They do need to travel with someone and Marianne is always looking for volunteers to accompany dogs on the journey from Gran Canaria to Norway. This is a simple process where someone will help take the dogs to the airport with all their papers ( having made all the arrangements in advance ) and Marianne herself meets the dogs and their helpers at Oslo airport when they arrive.
If anyone in the Scandinavian community here can help Marianne take dogs to Norway you can contact her hundeomplassering@gmail.com or via her website www.hundeomplassering.org.
Horoscopes 13
www.thecanarynews.com
Issue 24 - Friday 4th June - Thursday 17th June 2010 - The Canary News
LIBRA Sept 24 - Oct 23 Somewhere in you now, there’s a great detective. You don’t need any more information than you already have. You just need to piece it all together in a different way. Use your wits and think beyond the obvious.
CAPRICORN Dec 23 - Jan 20 Your week looks set to place many different demands on you. Acknowledge these and allocate your resources reasonably. Don’t feel that you will never get to the end of the list..
LEO July 24 - Aug 23 Mars remains in your sign for one more week, filling you with energy and determination. Soon, it will leave Leo. You have had (and still have) the ability to go a long way in a short space of time.
Scorpio Oct 24 - Nov 22 You need to ‘own’ your creativity, your imagination and your current desire to follow a feeling that can’t be properly justified with clever, cogent explanations.
AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19 ‘Quit while you are ahead.’ That’s good advice but... how are we supposed to know when we are ahead? Sometimes, we think we are winning till we find out later that we have been working against our own best interests.
VIRGO Aug 24 - Sept 23 Someone now knows more about your private business than they ought to. It’s not necessarily a problem, but it is something you need to be aware of.
SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 22 Our experience of the future allows us to see the past in a very different way. Try to imagine how you will feel in a year or two from now.
ARIES Mar 21 - April 20 Physical strength has its limits. No matter how many weights you lift, there will always come a point past which you cannot go. Mental strength is similarly restricted. Even rocket scientists find there are some topics they simply cannot wrap their minds around.
CANCER June 22 - July 23 To all intents and purposes you are ‘locked in’ to a commitment. You can’t help wondering whether you might be better off pursuing a different plan. Such thoughts are unhelpful. For the time being, at least, there’s only one road to travel along.
TAURUS April 23 - May 21 What are you good at? The answer to that should inspire you. It is something you can say about yourself with pride and certainty. What are you not very good at? Be careful how you reply!
GEMINI May 22 - June 21 The hungry must be fed, the homeless housed, the sick treated and the weak protected. These, surely, are the duties of any who hold - or aspire to hold - any kind of power.
PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20 The more you try to speed things up, the greater the risk that you may inadvertently slow them down. You’ve got a lot on your plate and it is important to digest it all properly.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY “ If you can move a grain of sand a day, eventually you will move a mountain.”
Brain Teasers Sam Rottenegger got some free tickets to go and see his least favorite band. Sam, feeling a little unruly, stopped at the corner store so he could bring a 1/2 dozen eggs with him to the concert. The concert was packed and the tunes were so loud that Sam could hardly stand it. He started making his way through the crowd when one of the eggs broke in his pocket and ran down the inside of his shirt. Sam squirmed with disgust but thought how great it would be to see that yellow ooze on the band members. It took him 60 grueling minutes to make his way close enough to launch his attack. Sam chucked one right at the bass player but it just bounced off him without breaking. “Odd,” Sam thought, but every one of the 4 eggs he threw just landed unbroken. He never got to throw the 5th as security removed Sam promptly. Sam, now half deaf, bruised, battered, and confused looked closely at the egg and noticed it wasn’t exactly raw anymore. Frustrated, Sam chucked the egg over his shoulder hitting an Officer who gladly gave him a free nights stay at the Bars Inn. So what happened to the eggs that caused them not to break? Note that they were totally raw when he brought them in . Hint Remember Sam was almost deaf at the end of the concert.
Answer 1 (upside down) High volume sound waves at certain frequencies can cause the proteins in an egg to stick together almost like when it is boiled. Thus the eggs bounced like a hard boiled egg instead of breaking. How was Duffus planning to vacuum seal the jars?
14 Spanish Lessons with Theresa Coe
The Canary News - Friday 4th June - Thursday 17th June 2010 - Issue 24
SOLíA (I used to…)
Lesson 19 Past Times Although verb tenses are difficult to master in Spanish, there are ways to describe past events without having to study too much grammar. Start by learning key words such as: ayer [ay-AIR], meaning yesterday, anoche (last night), la semana pasada (last week), el mes/año pasado (last month/year), or el sábado pasado (last Saturday). Did you spot that the Spanish use ‘the’ with days of the week, NEVER ‘on’ - and that they also say ‘THE week/month/year past’?
There is HAY y HABíA Hay (pronounced ‘eye’) is a handy word which translates as ‘there is/is there..?’ or ‘there are/are there..?’ For example, hay pocos turistas ahora (there are few tourists now), or ¿Hay más salsa? (is there more sauce?) Había [ab-EE-yah] is the past tense of hay, meaning ‘there was/was there..?’, or ‘there were/were there..?’ Había una fiesta fantástica anoche (there was a great party last night). ¿Había mucho tráfico ayer? (was there a lot of traffic yesterday?) or ¿Había problemas? Were there (any) problems?
An easy way to talk about anything you did on a regular basis or for a long period of time in the past is to start with solía [soh-LEE-yah], meaning ‘I used to’ and simply add an infinitive or unchanged verb on the end. The accent on the ‘i’ is telling us to push down here. So, solía SER carpintero/dependiente/ policía means I used TO BE a carpenter/shop assistant/ policeman. The verb endings are quite easy: I used to: SOLíA You used to: SOLíAS He/she/it used to: SOLíA We used to: SOLíAMOS They used to: SOLíAN Solía beber mucho pero ahora no puedo (I used to drink a lot but now I can´t); solías trabajar en un restaurante, ¿no? (you used to work in a restaurant, didn´t you?); la familia solía visitar mucho (the family used to visit a lot); solíamos vivir en Inglaterra, pero ahora vivimos aquí;(we used to live in England but now we live here); los niños solían jugar en la playa (the children used to play on the beach).
¡Fui a una fiesta! Meaning ‘I went to a party’, this heading brings us onto the past of IR (to go). This is a tricky but nonetheless
crucial verb to learn. Let´s recap on the present tense and compare it to the past simple (‘went’) – for short actions carried out at a given time or date: Look at table below Compare the following: Normalmente VOY a Las Palmas en guagua, pero ayer FUI en coche. (I normally go to Las Palmas by bus, but yesterday I went by car) ¿VAS al supermercado ahora o FUISTE esta mañana? (Are you going to the supermarket now or did you go this morning – lit ‘you go/now or you went/ this morning’) Mi marido no VA a la Romería mañana – FUE a Dublin la semana pasada. (My husband isn´t going to the Romería tomorrow – he went to Dublin last week) VAMOS mucho al restaurant ‘Fusion’ pero anoche no FUIMOS. (We go a lot to the restaurant Fusion but last night we didn´t go – lit. ‘we no went’) Mis vecinos VAN muy poco a la playa, pero el domingo FUERON con los nietos. (My neighbours go very little to the beach, but on Sunday they went with the grandchildren). In case you´re unsure, the verb endings for usted (the formal way to say ‘you’) are the same as for he/she/ it. Should you need to use ustedes (you in the plural), endings are the same as for ‘they’. Finally, don’t forget that the Spanish pronounce both b’s and v’s like a ‘b’.
PRESENT (go/goes/is going)
PAST (went)
Yo (I) Tú (you, informal) Él/ella (he/she) Nosotros (we) Ellos/ellas (they)
VOY [boy] VAS [bass] VA [bah!] VAMOS [BAH-moss] VAN [ban]
FUI [fwee] FUISTE [FWIST-eh] FUE [fweh] FUIMOS [FWEE-moss] FUERON [FWAIR-on]
If you have any questions or comments relating to this column or the Spanish language in general: Please email theresacoe@gmail.com
Birthday Postponed Sparkles SHOWBAR postpone their birthday celebration. Which is a disapointment after their huge success in Gay Pride week, which we covered in edition 23. Readers may recall that in edition 22 of The Canary News we reported on Sparkles’ intention to hold a party on Friday 6th June in celebration of their 2nd birthday, with Toyah Willcox as well as there usual famous cabaret act. The Council of San Bartolome de Tirajana is carrying out urgent repair works in the Yumbo Centre, which stretches the complete length of the walkway in front of the Showbar, thus preventing prospective customers from attending the celebration.
www.thecanarynews.com
Repair work must be carried out as the premises on the lower floor are constantly flooded; especially when we are subjected to the unusual amount of rain we have experienced in recent months. As the performance last year by Toyah was such a great success, the owners of Sparkles have decided to postpone the event until the works have been completed (date to be confirmed). Watch this space for future details and make sure that you don’t miss such a exciting party. The Editor
www.thecanarynews.com
Your Questions Answered 15
Issue 24 - Friday 4th June - Thursday 17th June 2010 - The Canary News
‘The Canarian Lawyer’
They can authorise it with a minimum of three fifths parts of the votes. Also the installation could be opposed by the city council, depending on its regulations. Can I be prohibited from entering Spain when arriving by aeroplane?
My driving licence was revoked because an alcohol test proved positive. However, I need a driver’s licence to use my car for work. Is there a form of insurance that I can buy that would get me out of this situation and allow me to have my driving licence back? There is no insurance policy that allows you to continue to drive. If the driver’s licence is taken away you cannot drive until it is given back. Some insurance agencies or motorist clubs offer policies that pay for taxis or other forms of transport until your driving licence is returned to you. If a person has paid the expenses for their burial, is it true that these expenses can be discounted from the inheritance tax. Yes, the expenses of the burial and the funeral as well as any expenses incurred by a last illness can be discounted from inheritance tax once they have been justified. Please note that it is necessary to keep all the receipts.
The branches of the trees of my neighbour’s house invade my patio. Can I prune them without getting his permission? No. He could say that you have damaged his trees. It has to be him that prunes the branches. Ask him nicely but if he does not prune them you can then denounce him. After this he has within 15 days (or a term that you consider reasonable) to do it. If he does not do it after this, go to a lawyer and demand the case goes to court. The sentence will go in your favour, including the costs of the judgment according to the article 592 of the Civil Code. Can I install a satellite antenna on my balcony without seeking permission from my neighbours? Your neighbours can refuse your permission to have a satellite antenna on your balcony. To install one you must obtain the permission of the proprietors or the apartment complex’s committee.
Yes, if the police of the airport consider that an illegal stay is possible they can initiate an urgent file of prohibition of entrance. Another reason is asylum. When a foreigner arrives at a Spanish border requesting asylum, he cannot be expelled from the border straightaway. His asylum request must go to a representative in Spain of the High Commissioner of the United Nations. The asylum seeker must remain at the border, or in a place shown to him by the border police, until their predicament has been solved, which must be done within a maximum term of four days.
Do I have to pay money to renew my driver’s licence before it has officially expired? My driver’s licence was stolen. No, if you have had your driver’s licence stolen – and have reported it to the police – you do not have to pay for a duplicate.
In the case of a refusal of asylum, you have the right to the re-examination of the request within a period of two days. If the request is not resolved within this time, Spain must grant the foreign applicant a provisional authorisation.
Web and Computer problems? info@thecanarynews.com
Q. As I use my computer more and more, there is an ever increasing number of icons that show up in the lower right corner of the screen. What are all of these and do I need all of them? A. The far right end of the taskbar is most often referred to as the “System Tray”, which Microsoft says is not correct, even though many of their own documents call it that. Microsoft’s official name for that area is the “Notification Area”. The name system tray probably became popular from the program called “systray.exe” that controlled some of the items in that area in Windows 95. So, to be correct, in this discussion, it will be referred to as the Notification Area. The notification area is described by Microsoft as “...a portion of the taskbar that provides a temporary source for notifications and status. It can also be used to display icons for system and program features that
have no presence on the desktop.” Microsoft also says, “Well-designed programs use the notification area appropriately, without being annoying or distracting.”
three columns labeled, Startup Item, Command and Location. Vista and Windows 7 adds two more columns, Manufacturer and Date Disabled.
Unfortunately, many programs don’t adher to that last statement forcing me to more really describe it as a place where all the unnecessary, resources hogging programs that are running in the background are shown. Too many programs have portions of themselves automatically start when Windows starts. The purpose of this is to constantly check for updates, or assist the program in starting up a few milliseconds faster.
Unfortunately, some of the names in the Startup Item column are pretty cryptic and may be difficult to understand. The Manufacturer column in Vista and Windows 7 should help in identification. Also, this dialog cannot be expanded making it difficult to see the full information in each column easily. However, each column can be widened, and with a little horizontal scrolling, the complete information can be ascertained. Here are links to some websites that contain lists with descriptions of these names, and recommendations as to whether or not they are needed. The first listed in my favourite.
Most of these icons in the notification area can be controlled by using a little utility included with Windows. Since Windows 95, Microsoft has provided a utility called the “System Configuration Utility” which is used to troubleshoot the system. Although it may have been included to aid their technical support people, it can be used by the individual user to great effect if he knows how. To open this utility, click Start, Run, and enter msconfig and click OK.
http://www.sysinfo.org/startuplist.php http://www.answersthatwork.com/Tasklist_pages/ tasklist_a.htm http://www.greatis.com/appdata/ http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/startups/
NOTE: By default, the Run command will probably not be listed in the start menu. To put it there, right click the taskbar, choose Properties, select the Start Menu tab, then the customize button. (In XP you will also have to click the Advanced tab.) Scroll to the Run command and check the box in front of it.
The fewer of these items shown checked in the System Configuration utility and thus the fewer icons displayed in the notification area, the better so far as computer performance is concerned. Only the necessary programs like your anti-virus program are really needed. If you uncheck something that you find out later that you do want to start when Windows starts, you can always go back and recheck it again.
When the System Configuration utility opens, there are several tabs available that will differ with different operating systems and applications. The one we are interested for this article is the Startup tab, and when clicked, a list of items will display. In XP there are
NOTE: After making changes in the system configuration utility, a restart is required. During the restart, in XP there will be a message displayed with a somewhat confusing message. Just click the Yes box to not display it again, and click OK.
16 2010 World Cup
The Canary News - Friday 4th June - Thursday 17th June 2010 - Issue 24
www.thecanarynews.com
www.thecanarynews.com
2010 World Cup 17
Issue 24 - Friday 4th June - Thursday 17th June 2010 - The Canary News
18 Twitters from the Atlantic with Barrie Mahoney
The Canary News - Friday 4th June - Thursday 17th June 2010 - Issue 24
www.thecanarynews.com
Barrie Mahoney was a teacher, head teacher and school inspector in the UK, as well as a reporter in Spain, before moving to the Canary Islands as a newspaper editor. He is still enjoying life in the sun as a writer and author.
The Spanish Mistress and The Gym Master I am often asked what I consider to be the essentials when planning a new life in another country. My answer is always the same, to learn the language. I won’t pretend that learning Spanish has been easy for me. It hasn’t. Indeed, you could say that I am not a natural at learning languages. As an eleven-year-old I was forced to learn French, a language that I did not like. Maybe it was the teacher, the quality of teaching or simply the sound of the language that I disliked, but I quickly learned, in the style of Del Boy, that ‘un petit pois’ was not for me.
me the language is far too guttural and makes sounds that I wouldn’t wish to make in polite company. Now, what about Italian? Yes, a musical language that is one of beauty, sincerity and where, I was assured, my Latin would come in useful, and they really are such attractive people, aren’t they? The only problem was that my school didn’t offer it.
Latin hit me in a slightly different way. Dead and dusty it may have been, but the subject was taught in a more effective fashion and with a degree of humour by my old headmaster. He was a strict disciplinarian whom I liked and respected, and I made adequate progress. However, I could see little point in the endless conjugation and chanting of those wretched verbs: “amo, amas, amant...” will forever ring in my ears. Eventually, crunch time. I had already dropped Latin and was doing my best to avoid French, using a variety of avoidance tactics of which I was a master. As I completed my fifth year at the school, I was told in no uncertain terms that I had either to take on another language or it was an additional two lessons a week on the playing field. To me this possibility of yet more ‘hell on earth’ really was sufficient motivation to find another language very quickly. German was an option and eagerly followed by many of my peers as we entered the sixth form. However, for
The truth finally dawned. I reasoned that I would need just three languages to do anything anywhere in the world - English, Chinese and Spanish. My request for Chinese lessons was greeted with a stony faced, disinterested stare from my housemaster before I was bawled out of his study for wasting his time. Undaunted, I decided to have a chat with one of the school secretaries, a charming young women who rather liked me. A hurried whisper when her colleague disappeared into the stock room revealed that “Spanish lessons are off for the time being”. This, I learned,
followed an unfortunate incident between the newly appointed young Spanish mistress and the middle aged gym master in the sports equipment cupboard the previous week. In those days, I was far too naive and polite to ask for further details, but I had a vivid imagination. So Russian it had to be. Sadly, that was to be a disaster. Mr. Edwards had recently returned from studying a crash course in Russian at Leningrad University and was only a few pages ahead of his students in the text book. However, I did learn sufficient to ask about the weather in Moscow and to say “I love you” in Russian, which was a bonus. Many years later, as a school inspector in Wales, I was amazed at the ease with which four- and five-yearold English speaking children could learn a second language - Welsh. My exposure to these children in the playground during break times, experiencing the ease with which they switched from their mother tongue to another, admittedly very difficult language to learn, both humbled and amazed me. Learning Spanish later in life is not easy. However, I am pleased to say that I can now understand far more of what is said and written and I have growing confidence in being able to speak the language. That young Spanish teacher and the gym master in the sports cupboard at my old school have a lot to answer for, don’t you think? © Barrie Mahoney
If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie’s websites: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his latest novel, ‘Journeys and Jigsaws’ (ISBN: 9781843865384). © Barrie Mahoney
Coming Soon Our New Independent Restaurant Review Simon Spit, the glamorous globe trotting food critic restaurants simply love to hate! Restaurants know when they’ve been ‘spat by spit’. Join Simon Spit’s delicious adventures in Gran Canaria’s restaurants exclusively in The Canary News and sponsored by FamouslyFit. When tummies rumble and tastebuds tingle you know it’s time for a starter mains and dessert but don’t you just hate it when you have to pay through the nose for disgusting dishes, and isn’t it wonderful when your plates arrive fully loaded with sumptuous food to
die for! Simon Spit will be releasing his independent and exciting revelations on Gran Canarias’ food and drink offerings and making his recommendations on where to spend your valuable holiday mealtimes and money! The exciting thing is glamorous Simon Spit likes to change his appearance on every visit so no one will ever know what he looks like, but there is one thing certain, if the plate goes back to the bin for scraping restauranteurs should be afraid, they may just have been ‘spat by spit!’
Simon Spit has travelled the world to critique the finest and worst eateries known to man (and women of course). He has ventured to countries far and wide to sample the scrumptious eateries the world has to offer, he has reported under various aliases online and in newspapers and magazines around the world. And now he has arrived in Gran Canaria to explore the island’s food feast after so many requests by a great number of former Canary Islands holiday makers, who have made endless comments on the island’s food and drink on various popular websites including Trip Advisor. So join Simon in the next edition when he will be reporting back on the first of many ‘places to eat’ or ‘not to eat’ here on our island.
www.thecanarynews.com
Cookery 19
Issue 24 - Friday 4th June - Thursday 17th June 2010 - The Canary News
Carajacas – Carajacas Liver Ingredients:
1 kg of calf’s liver ½ chilli pepper 8 cloves of garlic ½ glass of olive oil ½ glass of vinegar Paprika, oregano, parsley Salt, thyme, laurel
Method: Cut the liver into small thin slices and place in a glass bowl or an earthenware dish. In a mortar put the garlic, salt, pepper and parsley. Grind until it resembles a paste then drizzle some of the oil onto it. Add a little vinegar, paprika and oregano. Pour the mixture over the liver and leave it to marinade for about eight hours. Roast or fry the liver using the same marinade and without oil. Heat up the surplus sauce, bringing it to the boil for a minute or so, then pour it over the liver again. Serve with ‘papas arrugadas’. Some people also add thyme and laurel.
Truchas De Batata – Sweet Potato Flutes Method: For the dough; Put the flour in a large bowl or on the kitchen work top, make a hole in the middle and add the lard, the butter, salt and glass of anis. Mix it well, kneading in the same direction. You gradually add cold water from the fridge, together with the juice of the lemon until you have a dough consistency. Leave it to settle for 20mins. Then roll it out into a thin layer and cut out circles with pastry cutter or glass.
Ingredients: 1 kg sweet potato 1 kg flour 200gr lard Oil for frying 200 gr butter 250gr ground almonds 1 lemon (juice and rind) Glass of Anis Pinch of cinnamon powder 400gr sugar Icing sugar to decorate Pinch of salt
For the filling; Boil the sweet potato in water and salt until they are tender. Then mash and mix in the ground almonds, grated lemon peel, sugar, a drizzle of anis and a little of cinnamon to taste. Leave to settle for 15-20 mins. Put a little of each filling in the pastry circles, fold over with the help of a fork to close them once filled. Fry in hot oil, drain on kitchen paper and sprinkle with a little icing sugar.
Licor De Guindilla – Sour Cherry Liqueur Ingredients: 6kg of ripe local sour cherries 10 litres of run (40 proof) 3 litres of water 5kg sugar ½ stick of cinnamon Sour cherry is the genuine liqueur of La Villa de San Bartolome de Tirajana, a famous alcoholic drink that is made from a bright red fruit known as ‘guindilla’ or sour cherry.
Method: Wash the sour cherries and take the stalks off. Put them in a glass jar which has previously been filled with rum. Dilute the sugar with cool water and add the cinnamon. Finally put the sugar water into the glass jar and leave for one year.
Thankyou very much The Canary News. I have been reading and collecting your recipes for some time now and I have tried most of them, with great success on my family. Jane Collins from Puerto Rico
20 Fashion
The Canary News - Friday 4th June - Thursday 17th June 2010 - Issue 24
www.thecanarynews.com
‘Chilly’ – Service and Quality You Deserve Meeting Ioana Esser, owner of the ‘Chilly’ chain of high end fashion boutiques, one is immediately struck by her friendliness and warm personality – not to mention her attractive ‘Nordic’ good looks. As I was shown into her ‘office at home,’ I quickly assessed that this was a lady of good taste and style, judging by her beautifully furnished rooms in her villa in Meloneras.
or she will send a chauffeur driven car to pick you up and serve you a glass of champagne on arrival at one of her boutiques. And what if the garments need alteration?
prices. A good range of accessories are also available; from shoes to belts, from bags to wraps, co-ordinated and outrageous, or as simple as you want it. Jewellery by Swarovski and materials made of the finest silk, quality goes without saying, including co-ordinates for sailing, golfing, the beach and right through to your romantic dinner for two in your favourite restaurant; something to suit every occasion. If you feel a little daunted by the ‘one- to one service, you can always pop along to the weekly fashion show at Restaurant Senador each Saturday at 3.30 where you can enjoy a first class fashion show and view what Chilly has to offer. After the show the shop awaits you.
Again part of the service and included in the price!
As we talked, Ioana told me that ‘Chilly’ has been operating as a retail chain since March 2009, and with four shops in CC Oasis – Meloneras, 2 shops in CC Cita – Playa del Ingles and Restaurante Senador Maspalomas she is kept constantly busy overseeing her clientele. So in such uncertain economic times what is the secret of success enjoyed by the Chilly boutiques? It’s easy really – Ioana recognized a niche market for designer brands such as D&G and Dior, from the catwalks of Paris and Milan, but with a difference. Her motto is ‘Customer service – the client come first and foremost’. Part of her unique offer is to give clients a ‘we come to you’ service. What does this mean? Well if clients want to view some of her collection she will deliver the items to your hotel room where you can peruse at your leisure,
High fashion, designer labels, chauffeur driven car, alteration service I can hear you adding up the sums, but Ioana is quick to point out that her stock is not just for the ‘divas’ but for ordinary people like you and me who want something just that little bit different. Forget the size 0, Chilly’s fashions come in up to XXXL and styles are not just for the ‘young chicks’ but also for the discerning, fashion conscious over 40’s at affordable
Well I for one will be part of the audience for the next showing, complete with pen, paper and camera and will bring you a personal report back on what I feel sure will be something special. So why not join me? By Ann Turner
www.thecanarynews.com
Summer Skin Over the last couple of weeks we have really seen a dramatic change in the temperatures here on the island. With the intense heat of the ‘kalima’ the best option is to stay indoors, windows closed, blinds drawn and air conditioning on full blast, although you will no doubt find your skin becoming totally dehydrated. However what if this is not possible; some of us still have to go out to work and face the public in their little shorts,
Health and Beauty 21
Issue 24 - Friday 4th June - Thursday 17th June 2010 - The Canary News
face devoid of makeup, whilst we smile sweetly and serve them. So how can we remain cool, calm and collected, albeit our sprint from the air conditioned car to our place of work? How can we look good in the heat where our carefully applied makeup just seems to slide southwards as soon as we open the car door? Simple really; ‘less is more’.
shades, and this will alleviate the need for separate products. Keep eye makeup to an absolute limit, as when you perspire the first thing that seems to smudge is eyeliner and eye shadow. Why not try Max Factor’s Infinity eyeliner for a long lasting effect, which seems to do the trick. The other summer option is to have semi permanent liner ‘tattooed’on your eyelids – although I think you need to be fairly brave to try this out!
Most of us are already fairly bronzed by the hot Canarian breezes, so do we really need to slap on that foundation, and load our eyes with multi coloured eye shadow and mascara? A good summer routine to follow for ‘looking cool, yet still professional’ is to cleanse, tone and moisturise. Morning and night, our poor dehydrated skin needs to be kept absolutely clean. So twice a day, don’t be tempted to skip this daily routine. For daytime, after cleansing and moisturising, why not try a tinted moisturiser; L’Oreal and Max Factor do a great range in various
important feature, the lips. Make sure they are exfoliated and in super condition by massaging them with Vaseline at night, then for daytime you absolutely must use a lip liner before filling in with colour. This will stop the colour from ‘bleeding’. Use a moisturising topcoat to seal the colour. Once again Max Factor’s Infinity range is fantastic and does what it says – long lasting. Although we all like to look ‘sun kissed’ or in some cases very tanned, the sun can be extremely damaging to our skin. In your teens,20’s and 30’s it may seem that the dreaded ‘wrinkles’ are light years’ away, but time marches on and before you know it, one day you look in the mirror and wonder where those ‘crows feet’ and frown lines came from. Don’t overdo the sunbathing. And if you must, protect your face by wearing a wide brimmed hat during the day, and stay in the shade during the most damaging hours of 12 noon to 4pm.
If you must use eyebrow pencil, then as a final coating dust with some translucent face powder to ‘set’ the colour. Or you could look at eyebrow and lash tinting. Mascara – every girl’s must – try one of the lighter types or as before add semi permanent lashes to give you that sexy wide eyed look.
And finally, don’t forget to keep hydrated; drink plenty of water during the day, don’t forget to exfoliate every few days to get rid of those dead skin cells and make sure your moisturiser has at least an SPF of 15. A light powder blusher works well for summer and to finish off, that all
22 Health
The Canary News - Friday 4th June - Thursday 17th June 2010 - Issue 24
www.thecanarynews.com
Improve Your Heart’s Physique By Ann Mather, Celebrity Nutrition Advisor , Famouslyfit.com Losing a little weight sure can improve the shape of your body. And it’s a great way to improve your heart’s physique, too. A small study found that losing a relatively modest amount of weight -- just 4 to 7 percent of a person’s body weight -- could help reverse some of the unhealthy physical effects that obesity has on the heart. A Change of Heart When you pile on too many pounds, it affects not only your waist size but also your heart size. The heart muscle gets thicker. And that’s not good, because when the heart muscle gets too thick, it has a harder time pumping and relaxing -- which can put you on the fast track to problems like heart failure. But in a study of obese people, imaging studies revealed that a little weight loss actually improved the heart’s structure and function
Action 1: Pump Your Heart For optimal health, you’ll need to do enough physical activity to burn between 3,500 and 6,500 calories a week (or roughly 500 to 950 a day). Most of that calorie loss comes from everyday tasks, but science shows that you’ll also need about 60 minutes a week of stamina training -- cardiovascular exercise that gets your heart rate up and makes you breathe harder. Here’s what to do: Do at least three 20-minute cardio workouts a week, and add strength training. . Action 2: Know Your Numbers We’re talking the big three -- cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar -- plus, two more you should probably know: homocysteine and C-reactive protein. Consider these numbers a stock ticker for your ticker. They tell you how you’re doing, and when you need to do more. When you have them measured, make sure your doctor also tells you what your goal levels should be and what you can do to get there. Getting more active, losing weight, and making smart food choices can help get these numbers in a healthy range. Action 3: Get Happy There are lots of reasons to be happy, including your heart health. Negative emotions like anger and hostility can raise blood pressure. People with depression are four times more likely to have a heart attack. And while we don’t understand how emotional stress causes physical stress, we do know there’s a powerful connection. To get yourself in a better mind-set, adopt a more positive outlook and manage daily stressors.
Weight Loss Wonders Researchers aren’t exactly sure how losing weight helps transform the heart, but weight loss benefits blood pressure, insulin resistance, and inflammatory protein levels. 7-Step Action Plan for a Healthy Heart When it comes to the health of your heart, what you do and what you don’t do can truly make a difference. That’s because lifestyle choices -- like smoking, poor diet, and lack of exercise -- can be far more dangerous than hereditary factors. Here’s a step-by-step plan that will help you make smart choices and help get your ticker in top form.
Action 4: Eat Your Heart Out When making out your grocery list, follow this simple rule of thumb: opt for foods with healthful fats, fibre, and good-for-you nutrients like flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals. And ditch the salty, sugary, sat-fat-laden, or processed stuff. Action 5: Learn from Your Relatives Even though you have a lot of control over your own heart-healthy destiny, a family history of heart disease does raise your risk significantly. So, along with talking to your doctor about a schedule of heart screenings, talk about your family health history, too. And if Mom, Dad, or a sibling developed heart disease, you’ll want to be extra vigilant about screenings and about adopting heart-smart habits. Action 6: Pop Some Pills Certain nutrients, supplements, and occasional medications can work preventive wonders for your heart. Aspirin: Taking aspirin regularly may reduce the incidence of heart attack by making blood platelets less sticky and decreasing arterial inflammation. But it only makes sense for men over the age of 35 and women over the age of 40. And even then, check with your doctor first, because aspirin can have side effects like stomach irritation and bleeding. A multivitamin: Your multivitamin is chock-full of heart-healthy micronutrients, like magnesium, calcium, and vitamins D, C, E, and A. Folate: This B vitamin lowers homocysteine to healthy levels. Since folate from food is only partially absorbed by your body, take a 400-microgram (folic acid) supplement. But make sure you’re getting enough B6 and B12, too, because folate can mask a deficiency in these vitamins. Action 7: Schedule Sleep If you don’t snooze 6 to 8 hours a night, you increase arterial aging and raise your risk of a heart attack. Inadequate sleep will also cause you to release less serotonin (the feel-good hormone) in your brain. The result: You may seek out other, less healthful ways to feel good, like noshing on sugary foods or tipping too many martinis.
www.thecanarynews.com
Issue 24 - Friday 4th June - Thursday 17th June 2010 - The Canary News
23
24 Community
The Canary News - Friday 4th June - Thursday 17th June 2010 - Issue 24
www.thecanarynews.com
Laughter ... the best medicine Kay Owen, Comfort Corner It has been scientifically proven that a good belly laugh now and then can do wonders for our health. Medical research tells us that when we laugh, there is an increase in the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.
Thank God for church secretaries with old Olivetti typewriters. These quotes and bloopers actually appeared on church notice boards - some were even announced from the pulpit!
There is also strong evidence that laughter improves health and helps fight disease.
2. Thursday night - Potluck Supper. Prayer and medication to follow.
Of course, we are not all on the same wavelength when it comes to humour – the joke I rate you may hate! But you could try a chuckle anyway, if only to give your system a healthy boost.
3. This afternoon there will be a meeting in the South and North ends of the church. Children will be baptized at both ends.
1. Don’t let worry kill you - let the church help.
4. Tuesday at 4:00 pm there will be an ice cream social. All ladies giving milk please come early.
Recently an old school friend of mine was in hospital and asked me to visit. She was recovering from an op and feeling rather blue. She wrote, “Come and share some of your silly humour with me, and cheer me up I could really use a laugh”. Now I had a miserable toothache that day and was about to make a dental appointment. Feeling a little sorry for myself, I nevertheless grabbed a booklet of humorous anecdotes that I had been compiling - some original, others gleaned from various sources - and duly arrived on the ward armed with my little comic gems.
5. Wednesday there will be a church social. Mrs. Johnson will sing, “Put me in my little bed accompanied by the pastor.” Soon we were both laughing our heads off as we exchanged a few good jokes and read some fun stuff together. We agreed that a-sharing of the comical was doing wonders to lift our spirits.
6. Thursday at 5:00 pm there will be a meeting of the Little Mothers’ Club. All ladies wishing to be “Little Mothers” please meet with the Vicar in his study. 7. This being Easter Sunday, we will ask Mrs. Lewis to come forward and lay an egg on the altar. 8. The ladies of the church have cast off clothing of every kind. They can be seen in the church basement on Saturday. 9. A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow. (!) 10. The sermon topic tonight is “What is Hell?”. Come early and listen to our choir practice. 11. Weight Watchers will meet at 7 pm in the Church hall. Please use large double door at the side entrance. 12. In the absence of our priest, we enjoyed the rare privilege of hearing a good sermon when Father Stubbs took the service. 13. Bertha Belch, a missionary from Africa, will be speaking tonight at Calvary Church. Come and hear Bertha Belch all the way from Africa. 14. Ladies, don’t forget the jumble sale. It’s a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Don’t forget your husbands.
The ward Sister heard our increasing hilarity and came to see what was amusing her patient, who up ‘til now had appeared rather listless and depressed. “She’s got me in stitches,” giggled my friend. “Well, you just be careful”, Sister admonished. “I know laughter is the best medicine, but don’t bust a gut or split your sides will you? In this hospital we have a less amusing application of ‘having you in stitches’!” Desperate to know what we were finding funny? I will share just one page with you. And even if you are not tickled pink (‘cos we don’t share the same pink-ticklebutton) there is an old proverb which says, “A joyful heart does good, like medicine” – so you may as well get grinning! And remember, it is postulated that it takes 62 muscles to frown and only 26 to smile. So read on and give your face a little therapy en route! ‘Unforced errors’ from our wonderful church bulletins
15. This evening at 7 pm there will be a hymn sing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin. So there we have it. It is not always easy to smile when we are sad. It is even harder to laugh when we are in pain, or even just don’t feel like it. Sometimes it helps if we find a friend in need, share a little laughter, spread a little sunshine, and get those endorphins flowing. And oh, before I sign off, I forgot to mention - I don’t need that dental work any more ... when I left my friend’s bedside I realised that my toothache had completely gone. Must have had an endorphin rush and laughed it off! So is laughter really the best medicine? A panacea? I don’t know, but let’s just say that for yours truly, on the day, it sure beat a trip to the dentist! Kay Owen May 2010
Golf 25
www.thecanarynews.com
Issue 24 - Friday 4th June - Thursday 17th June 2010 - The Canary News
The Importance of the Short Game Mark McGeehan, PGA Golf Professional, Lopesan Meloneras Golf Putting is a game within a game, and it is where the game of golf is either won or lost. There is a well-known saying that you “drive for show and putt for dough”, and this is so true.
Many amateurs and club golfers underestimate the importance of practicing and developing a solid short game. The leading players on tours worldwide will probably hit around fifteen greens in regulation. What I mean by regulation is, hitting the green in one on a par 3, in two on a par 4 and three or better on a par 5. This means that the pro has to get the ball up and down 3-4 times on a good day; a chip onto the green and a putt to the hole. The higher handicapper will only hit maybe between 2-5 and the mid handicapper 5-10 greens in regulation. You can now see how many more times the short game will be utilised. I believe that if we look at the game from the green and work it backwards, you can see how the short game develops confidence throughout the rest of the game. If you practice hard on creating a consistent stroke on the putting green, you will hole out from 5-10 feet. This will mean that you will be able to chip more freely and pitch up to the hole with confidence, and allow you to then swing more freely from the fairway.
You will not then be worried about missing greens in regulation, and therefore be able to swing freely from the tee and increase the amount of fairways you hit. We all know that we play our best golf when we are relaxed, and not ‘trying’ too hard. It is something that I often hear from both tournament players that I work with, and also club golfers that they tried too hard and played too tightly, which resulted in poor performances and frustrations. This just goes to show that golf is a results game and it does not really matter how many greens in regulation you hit; what really matters is how many shots we have to get the ball around the course. Seventy per cent of all golfers’ practice time should be devoted to the short game, and yet I often see many players trying to perfect their swing moves, and attempt to hit the ball another 10 yards further in the hope that this will lower their scores. It is acceptable to work on swings, but the reality is that the short game is where the real scores are made, which is from 100 yards and closer to the green. Games that I play with my pupils to keep practice fun include placing five balls in row with two feet separation, and hole them all without missing. If you miss, you start again! Also, to develop your personal best of how many putts you can make in a row from 3 feet. The top players know the importance of this and regularly hole 100 putts a day playing this game. To start with, see how many you can make without missing and record your achievement. With practice you will get better and this game can become addictive.
Also you can practice putting to the fringe of the green for pace control, and then also narrow down your concentration of putting to a single tee peg; if you can hit the tee peg, you will certainly be able to hit the hole.
also essential, so book a lesson today to see how good you can become at recovering from missed greens. At the Lopesan Academy, we develop players’ short games from pitching, chipping, bunker play and awkward positions.
All of these putting games and drills are designed to enhance your ability in a fun way. So get yourself to the putting green and start practicing now!
Years of experience can be passed on in one simple short game master class. Contact Mark or Gavin at the Academy for more advice on how to reach your full potential and reach your golfing goals. Tel. 0034 928 145 309
Chipping exercises and techniques are
26 Sport
The Canary News - Friday 4th June - Thursday 17th June 2010 - Issue 24
Arsenal reject Barcelona’s bid Barcelona announced on Wednesday they had made a formal approach for the midfielder, 22, who has indicated an interest in moving to the Nou Camp. But a statement on the Arsenal website on Wednesday read: “Yesterday evening we received an offer from Barcelona for Cesc Fabregas. “In response, we immediately and resolutely told them once again we have no intention of selling our captain.” The Arsenal statement added: “To be clear, we will not make any kind of counterproposal or enter into any discussion. “Barcelona have publicly stated that they will respect our position and we expect that they will keep their word.” Barcelona initially revealed they had made an approach for Fabregas via their Twitter feed on Wednesday morning. The Spanish giants subsequently told BBC Sport that talks with Arsenal over a deal for the midfielder, who is with Spain’s World Cup squad, “became formal” on Tuesday.
“An informal conversation with Arsenal became formal on 1 June and now an official approach has been made to the club,” said a Barca spokesman. “Before 1 June, under English rules, we could not make an official approach to Arsenal for Fabregas, but that changed on Tuesday. “I don’t think there is a special advance on, say, the price or anything, but it has moved on now.”
which we presented to Arsenal yesterday [Tuesday] afternoon.” The vice-president of the Catalan club, Rafael Yuste, added: “I’m optimistic that he’ll be able to sign for Barca as soon as possible and it’s clear that everybody here will give him a warm welcome. “We’ll do nothing that might make it more difficult for him to come here and we won’t rush things - but we won’t stop either.”
“We’ve now made a formal written offer,
was probably the greatest conversation I have had with someone in my life,” said Fabregas. “I respect him so much. He told me to concentrate on my football and the World Cup and he will deal with whatever happens in my future. “It’s not up to me any more. It’s just now about Arsenal and whoever it has to be and that’s it. I don’t want to say anything else. “I just want to be focused for the World Cup because it’s the most important thing. The rest, the future, I’m not interested in the future.”
Barcelona have made it clear they regard Fabregas, 22, who played in the youth team at the Nou Camp before moving to north London seven years ago, as one of their chief transfer targets this summer. Fabregas signed an eight-year contract with the Gunners in 2006 and has been quoted as saying he would only join Barcelona if he left the Emirates. Barcelona director general Joan Oliver revealed on the club’s official website: “Everybody knows that Cesc wants to sign for Barca and that we also want him to come here, but there is also a third party involved - Arsenal. Any agreement has to be with them.
www.thecanarynews.com
His father Francesc Fabregas, who is also his agent, believes talks between the clubs could be protracted. “The negotiations between Arsenal and Barcelona are going to be very long,” he told Radio Marca last month.
Barca also revealed on their website that club director Raul Sanllehi and technical secretary Txiki Begiristain will direct their negotiations. Fabregas revealed last month he had spoken to Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger about his future. “It
“Both parties are going to have to sit down several times because the matter is complicated.” Should Fabregas move to the Nou Camp he would become Barcelona’s second summer recruit after the £34m signing of Spain and Valencia striker David Villa.
Surf Trial &Teenage Rampage! By Danny Alcock Not to disappoint our hard working little surfers, we are re-publishing the last article about their training day as the photos didn’t arrive in time.
The Canarian Surf Federation put on a free surf trial for kids between 8 years and 14 to see if they like it and to spot talent. Also the Federation had another agenda; to talent scout young surfers who already surf on the island. Organizing several physical tests on the land, the children then went into the water and were watched by several key figures and coaches from the Canarian Surf Federation. The conditions occasionally became difficult for the young surfers but in general, waves were had by all. The event was spectacular to watch and it was very encouraging to see so many talented children and dedicated parents filming on the shore!
The Canarian Surf Federation came away with a far better idea of the talent pool here on the island and will be keen that the children carry on surfing as they are, even joining in with surf clubs to better their training focus.
Teenage Rampage! The training weekend in Las Palmas was just a warm up and here it was the first big one! Finally the kids of the Surf Club from Arguineguin had chance to show their skills on centre stage at a nationally recognised event open to children from all over the Canary Islands! The Teenage Rampage contest was organised by the Canarian Surf Federation and Ocean Earth, the prestigious Australian surf brand, and was a leg on the Canarian Juniors’ tour (under 21’s) which has already celebrated two events in Tenerife.
The Surf Canaries surf bus seemed to be the only vehicle on the road as it hummed around the quiet streets of Tauro, Puerto Rico and Arguineguin, picking up some very sleepy children before light on Saturday morning. We had to be at La Cicer in Las Palmas very early and to the delight of the kids, we were greeted by some excellent waves! So it was all into the water for a pre-contest warm up surf (all except for coach who had to stay back to do the paperwork and subscriptions!). Saturday was a marathon of surfing with the club spending 12 hours solid on the beach! 86 competitors from all over the Canary Islands were present and the atmosphere was exciting and vibrant. You couldn’t walk along the beach front this day without a blast of music, commentary or being run over by herds of little blond long-haired surfers practicing on their skateboards! The contest was organised by the Canarian Surf Federation who came in their very own reformed passenger bus that occupied the whole beach front with its wall of noise and flamboyant paint job. Commentary and music blaring, it really added atmosphere to the Las Palmas beach front. The bus also doubled up as the Judges box and it was from here that the 5 judges could gauge each wave and score it appropriately.
The major sponsor and co-organiser was the Australian surf make ‘Ocean Earth’. This established brand
Sport 27
www.thecanarynews.com
Issue 24 - Friday 4th June - Thursday 17th June 2010 - The Canary News
sponsors several surf events including the WQS World Championship event in Confital. Surfing in Gran Canaria really owes a lot to this company and their hard working management. Right through the day, the ‘Ocean Earth’ team made sure that there was plenty going on as the kids waited for their heats with games on the beach and board painting contests and supplied delicious pizza to starving surfers at mid-day!
Our surf club made a fantastic effort and it was great to finally see them all competing at island level. Jack Keenan got through into the next round with some very intelligent surfing but couldn’t quite make it through the following as he suffered a slow heat for waves and a massively high standard of surfing. As the semi finals and the finals got closer, the level of surfing of these young Canarians became mindblowing! With incredible moves and control and radical manoeuvres, it was hard to believe the age of the surfers and the level which they will achieve as they get older. Finally the results were as follows: Sub 21 1. Gari González 2. Francisco Díaz 3. Alberto García 4. Javier Ascanio Sub 18 1. Francisco Díaz 2. Lucas Díaz 3. Javier Ascanio
4. Kai García Sub 16 1. Lucas Díaz 2. Iván González 3. Will Davies 4. Kai García Sub 14 1. Nico Aguirre 2. José Mentado 3. Luis Díaz 4. Vincent Vandeputte Femenino 1. Virginia Giesen 2. Cinthya Borges 3. Marine Vandeputte 4. Dairén Melián The surf club bus arrived back in the south at dusk with some very surf-weary but happy kids. The experience was invaluable and each of us will never forget this first contest. We are already looking forward to the next one! By Danny Alcock
Euro Surf Championships Three Canarian surfers shine at the Euro Surf Championships in Portugal. Two Bodyboarders and a young surfer from Gran Canaria put on a fantastic effort to show Europe their talent This event for young surfers, bodyboarders and longboarders runs bi-annually and this year attracted an incredible level of surfing from 13
countries.‘Stand outs’ included 3 surfers from our small island! Noemy Mendoza Hernández finished up 4th overall in the ladies Body Board and Kevin Orihuela Ruano finished up second in the Body Board juvenile category! 12 Year old Josemi Mentado Requena put on a stunning display in good waves to come 7th , in a category which saw
the very highest level in Europe and with children two years older than himself! Between the results from these children and Ardiel’s performances in South America, this weekend has shown the World that Gran Canaria has some great surfing promise By Danny Alcock
28
The Canary News - Friday 4th June - Thursday 17th June 2010 - Issue 24
www.thecanarynews.com
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING
To place a classified advert, simply fill in the coupon on page 31 and drop off at Property Abroad, Aladdins Cave, Cafe Florin, British Bruno’s Supermarket. See ads for locations. Email: sales@thecanarynews.com or Tel: 928 774 818
PROPERTIES FOR SALE Private
Canary THE
NEWS
The Canary Islands’ most successful FREE Newspaper
Canary THE
NEWS
The Canary Islands’ most successful FREE Newspaper
Playa de Mogan 2 bedroom apartment 50m2. Half k.m. to beach. Fully furnished, parking outside. 125,000€ private sale 676 985 474
PROPERTIES FOR SALE AGENTS
Playa del Inglés Laila Bungalow, 1 bed(s) First line beach 190.000 Euros 21735-LM ***CARDENAS REAL ESTATE, SINCE 1980*** ***Call now 928 150 650 or visit www.cardenas-grancanaria. com*** Puerto Rico West Hill Vista Golf Duplex, 1 bed(s) 89.000 Euros 21733-LM ***CARDENAS REAL ESTATE, SINCE 1980*** ***Call now 928 150 650 or visit www.cardenas-grancanaria. com*** Arguineguín, Patalavaca Residencial Patalavaca Duplex, 3 bed(s) 195.000 Euros 21729-CG ***CARDENAS REAL ESTATE, SINCE 1980*** ***Call now 928 150 650 or
visit www.cardenas-grancanaria. com*** Maspalomas, Sonnenland Duplex, 1 bed(s) Spacious terrace 147.000 Euros 21722-OM ***CARDENAS REAL ESTATE, SINCE 1980*** ***Call now 928 150 650 or visit www.cardenas-grancanaria. com*** Playa del Inglés Apartment, 1 bed(s) 110.000 Euros 21727-AK ***CARDENAS REAL ESTATE, SINCE 1980*** ***Call now 928 150 650 or visit www.cardenas-grancanaria. com*** Puerto Rico, Amadores Apartment, 1 bed(s) 120.000 Euros 21737-AK ***CARDENAS REAL ESTATE, SINCE 1980*** ***Call now 928 150 650 or visit www.cardenas-grancanaria. com*** Arguineguín Altos de Arguineguín Penthouse, 2 bed(s) 420.000 Euros 21740-AK ***CARDENAS REAL ESTATE, SINCE 1980*** ***Call now 928 150 650 or visit www.cardenas-grancanaria. com*** Puerto Rico Barranco Agua La Perra Apartment, 1 bed(s) 55.000 Euros 21743-CG ***CARDENAS REAL ESTATE, SINCE 1980*** ***Call now 928 150 650 or visit www.cardenas-grancanaria. com*** Playa del Cura Apartment, 1 bed(s) Fantastic sea view 98.000 Euros 21745-TB ***CARDENAS REAL ESTATE, SINCE 1980*** ***Call now 928 150 650 or visit www.cardenas-grancanaria. com*** Playa del Cura Single-family house, 3 bed(s) Beautiful plot with detached house surrounded by mountains
and nature 350.000 Euros 21750-LM ***CARDENAS REAL ESTATE, SINCE 1980*** ***Call now 928 150 650 or visit www.cardenas-grancanaria. com*** —------------------------------------
PLAYA DEL INGLÉS, LARGE BUNGALOW WITH PROPER GARAGE. Plot: 250 m². Livingarea: 110 m². Consisting of: living, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, seperate built-in kitchen, study, terraces and garden. Completely furnished and in perfect condition. Price: 450.000 euro. Europa Real Estate 928 765 813 info@europa-immobilien.com PLAYA DEL INGLÉS, OUTSTANDING BUNGALOW WITH GARAGE AT THE BEACH PROMENADE. This unique dreamhouse with aprox. 100m2 living area and largeprivate garden consists of living-diningroom, kitchen, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, large terrace and solarium with spectacular view to the dunes of Maspalomas and ocean. The bungalow is equipped with all luxury. Heated community swimmingpool.PRICE: 588.000, Euros Europa Real Estate 928 765 813 info@europa-immobilien.com SAN FERNANDO. Spacious three-bedroom apartment with two bathrooms, seperate kitchen, livingroom and balcony with seaview. Parkinglot included. Price: 144.000 euro. PLAYA DEL INGLÉS, BEACH PROMENADE. Very beautiful refurbished one-bedroom bungalow with unique seaviews over de dunes of Maspalomas. Privileged location! Price: 156.000 euro. PLAYA DEL INGLÉS, BUNGALOW WITH GARAGE Excellent and quiet located bungalow on a closed plot that offers perfect privacy.
It exists of: 2 bedrooms, livingroom, full fitted kitchen, bathroom, 2 large terraces and private garage. This respected bungalow complex is very quiet and centrical situated and has a large pool and tenniscourt. Low monthly community costs. PRICE: 276.000. Euros SAN AGUSTÍN, GROUND FLOOR BUNGALOW WITH LARGE TERRACE AND SEAVIEW. This bungalow forms part of a small private complex with pool. The beach of San Agustín is only 3 minutes walk away and also the shopping center is nearby. The bungalow consists of: 1 bedroom, livingroom/ kitchen, bathroom and a terrace of 24 m2 with sea view to the beach of Playa del Inglés. The monthly comunity costs are only 40 Euros. PRICE: 138.000 Euros AYA DEL INGLÉS, Very centrical and quiet located two-bedroom corner-apartment with large balcony. The buildingcomplex offers proper parkinglots and two beautiful pools. Low community-costs. Price: 168.000 euro. MONTE LEÓN- BUILDING PLOT. Excellent 940 m² large plot for construction. Is sold with or without project for a fine chalet. If wanted immediate realisation is possible. Price: 360.000 euro. PUERTO RICO Bungalow with panoramic seaview over the beach and harbor of Puerto Rico. 100 m² Living-area, 3 bedrooms and 2 large sunny terraces. Parking-lot and Pool. Price: 330.000 Euros PLAYA DEL CURA, EXCLUSIVE APARTMENT WITH PANORAMIC SEAVIEW This apartment has 72 m² livingarea and a large very private terrace of 36 m² with whole-day-sun. Bedroom and bath are ensuite. Situation and the use of only the most luxurious materials make this real estate to an unique exquisity. Price: 290.000 Euros PLAYA DEL INGLÉS, NEAR BEACH PROMENADE. One-bedroom apartment with livingroom/ kitchen, bathroom and a large double balcony with access from living- and bedroom. Complex with pool, restaurant and supermarket. Price: 98.000 euro. SAN AGUSTÍN, DREAM BUNGALOW with beautiful view over the ocean. 64 m² Living-area, 2 bedrooms,
full-fitted kitchen, bathroom and 32 m²-large sunny terrace. Parking-lot and Pool. Monthly communityfee only: 78,- Euro. PRICE: 290.000,-- € Europa Real Estate: 928 765 813 info@europa-immobilien.com ------------------------------------Puerto Rico Cosy apartment in a quiet complex with a very nice atmosphere. Parking outside the door and outstanding sea views. Pool, children’s pool, poolbar and sun terrace. The apartment is sold fully furnished and ready to move in! Ground floor and large garden area directly in front of the patio so great for sunbathing or for children! Great bargain! Ref. PR584. Price: €69,500. Tel. 928141202. DREAM HOMES www. dreamhomesgrancanaria.com Puerto Rico Beautiful apartment for sale in Puerto Rico. The two bedroom apartment was recently refurbished and has a private terrace (20m2) with seaviews. Brand new kitchen and seperate dining area. Sold completely furnished and ready to move in to! Complex with communal swimming pool. Bargain! Ref:PR650.Price:€98,000. Tel: 928141202. DREAM HOMES www. dreamhomesgrancanaria.com Maspalomas Nice cosy duplex with garden area to the front. Completely refurbished throughout and fully furnished and ready to move into. Property of 60m2 and has one bathroom upstairs and another downstairs. Quiet complex in a quiet residential area. Ref. MP635. Price: €132,000. Tel: 928141202. DREAM HOMES www. dreamhomesgrancanaria.com San Agustín Fantastic bungalow for sale in San Agustín. The bungalow is totally refurbished and has air-conditioning, fully equipped kitchen even with dishwasher. Bungalow in very popular complex with heated pool, childrens area, pool bar, supermarket and tennis court. Viewing strongly recommended. Ref. SA654. Price: €137,000. Tel. 928141202. DREAM HOMES www. dreamhomesgrancanaria.com San Fernando Fantastic house with 4 bedrooms for sale in San Fernando. Very centrally located. Supermarkets and shops for the daily needs are within walking distance. The house is sold unfurnished. Great opportunity to buy at this price!
Ref.SF614. Price: €216,000. Tel. 928141202. DREAM HOMES www. dreamhomesgrancanaria.com --------------------------------------PLAYA DEL INGLÉS Near the promenade and Tropical shopping center, beautiful 2 bedrooms apartment with 4 balconies (85 m2), fully furnished, off-road parking, tennis. 176.400 Euro (Ref. 1.013D). INMOBILIARIA KSR, info@ksrgrancanaria.com MONTAÑA DE LA DATA Spacious Villa/Chalet, very special location with breath taking panoramic views, 5 bedrooms, 4 bath rooms, terraces and balconies, private pool and nice garden, garage and parking space, Possibility to upgrade with separate guest apartment. 598.000 Euro (Ref. 6.300C). INMOBILIARIA KSR, 928 766 684 SAN AGUSTIN Elegant Penthouse for a high standard life style with enormous terrace (60 m2) and fantastic sea view, 2 bedrooms (one with balcony), 2 bath, fully furnished, only few minutes away from the beach. 345.000 Euro (Ref. 2.505D). INMOBILIARIA KSR, www.ksrgrancanaria.com, 928 766 684 PLAYA DEL INGLÉS Near Hotel Riu Palace, very homely bungalow in well-kept complex with tropical gardens, heated pool, tennis. Generously proportioned floor plan, living and dining room, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen all with access to the terrace, addition guest room. Tastefully decorated. 235.000 Euro (Ref. 3.001J). INMOBILIARIA KSR, info@ ksrgrancanaria.com MASPALOMAS Near the Golf Course and short distance to the light house, quiet
Properties Abroad Estate Agents
PUERTO RICO INSURANCE, MORTGAGE & FINANCIAL ADVICE Tel: (0034) 928 562 467 Fax: (0034) 928 562 454 Email: info@propertiesgrancanaria.com Web: www.propertiesgrancanaria.com
Contact us to share your news and celebrate your anniversaries. See page 31 for more information
www.thecanarynews.com
terraced 1 bedroom bungalow in very well kept complex with heated pool and tennis, ample parking space, nicely furnished with all comfort. 135.000 Euro (3.509K2). INMOBILIARIA KSR, 928 766 684 SONNENLAND Charming Duplex-bungalow in private complex with beautiful pool area in tropical gardens, 1 bedroom, 1 bath, separate WC, front and rear terrace, small fenced garden, the property comes fully equipped (washing machine etc.). 129.500 Euro (Ref. 3.810B). INMOBILIARIA KSR, www. ksrgrancanaria.com PLAYA DEL INGLÉS Cosy Maisonette-Bungalow, 95 m2 living space, 3 bed rooms, 2 bath, spacious terrace partly covered, roof terrace, large storage room, fully equipped, offroad parking. 275.000 Euro (Ref. 4.008O). INMOBILIARIA KSR, 928 766 684 SAN AGUSTÍN Sophisticated bungalow with guest apartment, 155 m2 living space and 60 m2 terrace with breathtaking panoramic view, top quality, very tastefully decorated and equipped with lots of extras, residential complex, carport, pool, tennis. 495.000 Euro (Ref. 5.505J). INMOBILIARIA KSR, info@ksrgrancanaria.com PLAYA DEL INGLÉS Beautiful 1 bed room Apartment, very private balcony with sea view, luxuriously fitted, quiet location and well-kept complex with pools, private parking, 24hour security etc. 95.500 Euro (Ref. 1.004U). INMOBILIARIA KSR, 928 766 684 SAN AGUSTÍN A dream front line to the Atlantic: top-quality apartment (52 m2) with bright rooms tastefully designed, fully equipped, lot of storage space, complex with heated pool and direct access to the promenade, low maintenance costs. 178.000 Euro (Ref. 1.507D) INMOBILIARIA KSR, info@ ksrgrancanaria.com --------------------------------------ROCA REAL ESTATE 928 561667 www.inmobiliaria-roca.com STUDIOS OPPOSITE PUERTO RICO BEACH Very central location, all facilities nearby, fantastic views. Residential complex with pool. Ref: 10051 Sale price: 60.000.-€. PUERTO RICO 1 BEDROOM APARTMENTS, CENTRAL LOCATION, large pool, solarium, parking, reception, lifts, sea views. Ref: 10042. Sale price from: 62.000.-€ 1 BEDROOM APARTMENTS IN PUERTO, residential
Issue 24 - Friday 4th June - Thursday 17th June 2010 - The Canary News
complex with fantastic sea views. Large swimming pool, solarium, & parking Ref: 10080. Sale price: 63.000.-€ 1 BEDROOM APARTMENT OPPOSITE PUERTO RICO BEACH. Spacious apartment, excellent location, in a quiet & very popular complex. Ref:10118 Sale price 100.000.-€ GREAT VALUE!! 2 BEDROOM DUPLEX, PUERTO RICO, VERY CENTRAL COMPLEX. Private or with rental contract. Ref: 10043. Sale price: 126.000.-€ BARRANCO DEL CURA, 2 bedroom country house, only 5 minutes from Playa del Cura, with garage, BBQ area, terraces & gardens. Plus a separate 1 bed apartment. Ref: 10125. Sale price: 490.000.-€ ROCA REAL ESTATE 928 561667 www.inmobiliaria-roca.com
PROPERTIES FOR RENT Private SAN Fernando 1 Bedroom with shower to rent in spacious house. Share kitchen, patio, lounge and rooft errace. DVD, TV, Adsl. 5 mins walk to all amenities. 325 euros per month inc all bills Tel: 928 760 143/626 306 826
PROPERTIES FOR RENT Agent
FLATS TO
RENT
1, 2 and 3 Bedroom flats to rent in Arguineguin and Puerto Rico from 600 Euros all inclusive Call 618 647 027
Puerto Rico Studio for rent in Puerto Rico. Nice view over the harbour and the sea. Close to all ammenities. The Studio also has a terrace and the complex offers a communal pool and parking area. All costs are included in the rental price.
Ref:PR653.Price:€500/month. Tel: 928141202. DREAM HOMES www. dreamhomesgrancanaria.com Playa del Inglés Refurbished apartment in Paraiso Maspalomas. Very well run complex with various swimming pools, hairdressers, supermarket, restaurant and pool bar. Satellite TV incluiding Spanish, English and German channels. All bills are included in rental price. Ref:PI547.Price:€600/month. Tel: 928141202. DREAM HOMES www. dreamhomesgrancanaria.com Puerto Rico Spacious two bedroom flat with a balcony overlooking Puerto Rico and the water park and a rear terrace. Complex is only 4 years old and has a jacuzzi with spa jets, minigolf, swimming pool and baby pool as well as a “petanca” (Spanish bowls) pitch. There is an undergorund car park and a car parking space. Fully furnished throughout and very light and airy corner property. Ref. PR460a. Price: €700/month Tel. 928141202. DREAM HOMES www. dreamhomesgrancanaria.com Sonnenland Large family home for longterm rental on secure residential complex. Off road parking available for residents and the complex has a very nice pool area and childrens pool. There are five double bedrooms, each of which has its own balcony or terrace. The kitchen is fully equipped with an oven, 4-ring ceramic hob, fridge/freezer and a dishwasher. There is also a ultilty room with washing machine. Pets are allowed. Ref. : SN639. Price: €1.200/ month Tel. 928141202. DREAM HOMES www. dreamhomesgrancanaria.com Tauro Newly built, modern villa near Tauro. Private garden and pool. Four spacious double bedrooms and two living areas. Marble floors and fully furnished throughout to a high Standard. Air-conditioning. Rental price includes gardener and pool maintenance. Ref. TR543a. Price: €1.700/ monthTel. 928141202. DREAM HOMES www. dreamhomesgrancanaria.com --------------------------------------ROCA REAL ESTATE 928 561667 www.inmobiliaria-roca.com STUDIO APARTMENTS, close to Puerto Rico beach. Ref: 15051. Rent: 450.-€/month ONE BEDROOM APARTMENTS, close to Europa Centre, Puerto Rico. Ref:
15203. Rent: 440.-€ / month TWO BEDROOM DUPLEX, MOTORGRANDE, Puerto Rico. Rent: 550.-€/month TAURO SHOPPING CENTRE. 12 UNITS FOR RENT. 6 on top floor with own terrace. Six ground, floor no terrace. Private parking. Ideal for gym, spa, etc. Rent: 6.000.-€/month for all. ROCA REAL ESTATE 928 561667 www.inmobiliaria-roca.com
Going out
Cafe Florin Calle Alfreces Prov. 29 (opposite Hard Rock cafe)
FOR SALE
For Sale
1998 Renault Kangoo V.G condition, complete overhall in Feb 2010. All service records available,perfect family car or work vanette. I.T.V to August Price 2000 euro Tel 628022336 Princess 45 Flybridge motor cruiser 1987 spanish flag berthed in Mogán 99,000€ more information phone 676 985 474 SPORTFISHING BUSINESS Gran Canaria. Includes Everything But The Fish Established, Successful, Great Berth Location. A Very Special Offer For Only - 75.000€ Call 607 671 617 OCEAN EXCURSION BUSINESS Gran Canaria Everything Included, Boat, Client Contracts, etc. 10 years of Proven Success, Fully Documented, Put 2-3000€ In Your Pocket Every Month A Lifetime Opportunity 150.000€ Call 607 671 617 Sportfishing Business Top Boat/Top Equipment In-place Contracts/Website/ Publicity - A Proven Track Record, South Coast of Gran Canaria, No Debt, Just Profits Exceptional Opportunity for Only 160.000€. Call 607 671 617 Liberty Insurance! Complete Coverage Canary Islands and Around the World Inexpensive, Quality Coverage By A World Class Broker That Pays! Call 607 671 617 for Cars, Boats, Businesses, Homes, Health Boat and Yacht Sales/ Service - Marine Surveys International Marketplace. All Logistics Included. We Find Your Dream Boat & Bring It To Where You Want It! Get Twice The Boat For Half The Price Call 607 671 617
Removals
Charities
29
in good condition, to be sold in support of Registered Childrens’ Charities 1) RUBBISH DUMP CHILDREN in Cambodia 2) ORPHANS/ SCHOOL projects in China. Please drop books off at Original Designs, Ancorra C. Arguineguin. donations gratefully received. Contact kay.r.owen@gmail. com Together we can make a difference Drinking Problem? International, English speaking AA meetings every Friday at the church in the Kasbah (door on the left hand side) Playa del Inglés, 8.30pm. Monday 12pm in San Fernando, behind Market Maspalomas and Tuesday 7pm at the Catholic Church (enter by the stairway on the right hind side), Behind the taxi rank next to the police station. Do you believe that you have a problem with alcohol? Perhaps you are looking or some help? Alcohol Anonymous meet in Telde on Mondays and Thursdays from 20.00 until 21.30. Call 928 202 638 TARA Animal Charity Shops. Big & Beautiful - In Arquinequin 63 & 67 c/Tanausu near Pino Seco family park Monday thru Saturday 10am till at least 4pm. All Kinds of Donated Items ON OFFER! 607 671 617 or www.Taraanimales.org TARA Animal Car Boot
Free tandem bike rides for blind people or people with any other physical disability
Sale. Every Saturday 8am 2pm. Across from TARA Animal Charity Shops. Pino Seco Park,
who are unable to ride a bike by themselves. Also free excursions into the mountains in my car for people in wheelchairs together with a companion. Minibus trips can also be arranged at an agreed reasonable cost. For more information call Franz at 699 124 985. WANTED. Second hand books,
Arguineguin - Great Buys & Ambience Call - 607 671 617 for More Information TARA Charity Dog Pension. HOME AWAY FROM HOME. Beautiful Location, Low Prices, Your Pets Cared for By Dog Lovers 607 671 617 or www.Taraanimales.org
30
The Canary News - Friday 4th June - Thursday 17th June 2010 - Issue 24
TARA Animal Welfare Charity. Needs Donated Goods To Save Animals Pick-up Service Available For Big Loads. Volunteers & Foster Homes Also Needed. Dog/Pups, Cats/Kittens Need Homes Now Call 607 617 671 or www.Taraanimales.org Tara Animal Respect Association NIF G35917004 - Register G1/S1/13980-06/GC. TARA Telephone: +34 607 671 167 WEBSITE: www.Tara-
Animales.org FACEBOOK: Tara Animal Respect TARA BLOG: http://Taraanimales.blogspot.com/ Arguineguin Cultural Society meets every Thursday at Tío Pepe bar from 20.00 at the C.C. Ancora in Arguineguín. As mentioned previously in TCN, the group were looking for a place to build up our string puppet stage and to train people in the making and operating of
string puppets. The group has now found a suitable place in Arguineguín and if anyone is interested in joining them please call Peter on 639 229 414 and go to the meetings on Thursdays. Grupo Montañero de Mogan. Every Sunday all through the year this group arranges guided walks in the magnificent mountains and beautiful valleys of Gran Canaria. The walks are guided, and the members
come from all over Europe, and also many Canarian members. Meeting place: Commercial Centre Ancora, Arguineguin. Time 08.00. Departure 08.15. Leaving from San Fernando (Viuda de Franco) 08.00 or 08.30. For more information call before 12.00 on Fridays 689 919 580 Can you spare a few hours each week to help feed stray and abandoned cats in San Agustin? There are special feeding places, all the cats
are sterilised, have names and are very healthy. Of course, we will buy the cat food. We only want help to give the food to the cats.Please call Christina on 928770 019 for more information. Join the library in Maspalomas with your NIE number and passport and picture or residencia. No charge. English books and other European languages too. Also free internet access.!! The library hours are 8.00 am till 2.30 pm and 3.30 pm to 10 pm Monday to Friday. Biblioteca Municipal Maspalomas, Casa del Cultura Maspalomas, Avda De Tejeda 72 Phone 928 720 035 Amigos contra el Sida is a charity that provides support for people with HIV and Aids and has information about sexually transmitted diseases Amigos contra el Sida - Friends against Aids Av. Alejandro del Castillo, Mercado Municipal, 2º floor San Fernando Maspalomas Contact: 695578004. Timetable: Tuesday and Thursday - 9:00 to 15:00 hour. Amigos contra el Sida Calle El Escorial nº 7, Vecindario Teléfono: 928 149 570 Timetable: Monday to Friday - 9:00 to 14:00 hour. Website: www.amigoscontraelsida.org Support Maria Templeman’s Dog Rescue. You can find Maria’s stall in Arguineguin market on Tuesdays and Mogan market on Fridays. You can also find Maria in Maspalomas market next to the big, main flood light on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Money raised from Maria’s stall
www.thecanarynews.com goes to funding dog rescue in Gran Canaria, including vet and kennel fees
and re-homing dogs Wanted new owner for pointer puppys. Contact Muriel 607 671 617
Flights
We Buy and Sell Second Hand and New. Call Mandy: 637 163 434 Ancora Centre No. 82 Arguineguin.
www.thecanarynews.com
Issue 24 - Friday 4th June - Thursday 17th June 2010 - The Canary News
31
BUY, DONATE, SWAP BOOK LIBRARY All proceeds go to The Red Cross. Cristina´s Money Exchange, Local 261, Phase 1, CC Puerto Rico
Dana Ptacinsky Asrilant
LEGAL TRANSLATOR AND INTERPRETER C/Luis Doreste Silva 56, 6º-2, 35004, Las Palmas de G.C. Tel: 686 412 345 dptacinsky79@hotmail.com
THE CANARIAN PRO BREASTFEEDING runs a Support Group every Wednesday from 6pm until 8pm at the C.C. Botanico, Local 135, San Fernando. Anyone needing help and support concerning breastfeeding can also call 637 564 296 (leave a message if there is no answer with name and telephone number)
FARO 2 MARKET 28th March, 1st Sunday in every month there after BOOKS sold in support of Registered Children’s Charities (Home and Abroad) Over 500 books from 1 Euro. Also book donations wanted can collect - Contact kay.r.owen@gmail.com or drop books off at Original Design in Arguineguín
MON TO FRI 10am to 8pm SAT 10am to 1.30pm For appointments please tel 928 561 771
MOTHER AND TODDLER GROUP EVERY WEDNESDAY FROM 4PM ONWARDS Different activities every week in the local Puerto Rico area Meet othermums with children of all ages. Call Jo Pike on 639 153 547 You can even leave a message on their
‘face book’ wall!
ADDICTIONS ALCOHOL & DRUGS Let us help you overcome your problem in a painless way. Contact us for a confidential consultation It can make a real difference On your road to recovery Tel: 928 934 097 Mobile: 619 391 040 Email: addictedgc@gmail.com
Classifieds Special Offer
6 Editions for the price of 4 (Adverts must run concurrently)
Hand into any of our drop off points Property Abroad Puerto Rico Aladdin´s Cave Arguineguin Café Florin Opp. Hard Rock Cafe Paraiso Jewellers Mogan The Print Shop San Fernando British Bruno’s Supermarket Playa del Ingles
(See adverts for locations)
Canary THE
NEWS
The Canary Islands’ most successful FREE Newspaper
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING
To place a classified advert, simply fill in the coupon below and drop off at Property Abroad, Aladdins Cave, Paraiso Jewellers, The Print Shop, Cafe Florin or British Bruno’s Supermarket. See ads for locations. Email: sales@thecanarynews.com or Tel: 697
724 949
Text (print in Block Capitals). Lineage, 32 cents per word inc 5% IGIC. Tick as appropriate BOXED ADVERTs
1 mod = 17€
Name: ......................................................................................................................................................... Address: ..................................................................................................................................................... Tel No: ........................................................................................................................................................ Number of inserts: ................................................. Date from: ...............................................................
PLEASE TICK APPROPRIATE BOX
Leisure Entertainment Eating Out
(40 x 42mm)
Announcements
2 mods = 34€
Employment
(83 x 42mm)
Items Wanted
3 mods = 50€
For Sale
(126 x 42mm)
Personal
LINEAGE ADVERT
Pets Properties - Private Sale
(prices inc. IGIC)
Property - Agents
Private classified adverts must be pre-paid cash DEADLINE 12 NOON FRIDAY. Simply fill in the coupon above, drop off and pay
Health
at Property Abroad, Aladdins Cave, Paraiso Jewellers, The Print Shop or Cafe Florin. See ads for locations.
Miscellaneous
32
The Canary News - Friday 4th June - Thursday 17th June 2010 - Issue 24
Telephone: 928 141 202
Mobile: 676 406 679
Dream Homes , C.C. Yumbo Local 411/10 , 35100 Playa del InglĂŠs , G.C. info@dreamhomesgrancanaria.com www.dreamhomesgrancanaria.com
For Sale
Puerto Rico
San Fernando
Playa del InglĂŠs
Price: 158,037â‚Ź Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2 Brand new family home with beautiful views over Puerto Rico. This secure residential complex has a pool, children's pool and baby pool as well as jacuzzi and communal gardens. The house has never been lived in and has marble floors, utility area, large patio, fitted bathrooms and fitted kitchen with appliances included
Price: 180,000â‚Ź Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 Fantastic house with 4 bedrooms for sale in San Fernando. Very centrally located. Supermarkets and shops for the daily needs are within walking distance. The house is sold unfurnished. Excellent price for quick sale!
Price: 105,250â‚Ź Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1 Apartment for sale in Playa del InglĂŠs. Very centrally located right next to the commercial centre Yumbo and only a few minutes from the beach. Closed-in balcony. Apartment is fully furnished and ready to move in to.
www.thecanarynews.com
,OOKING TO BUY PROPERTY IN 'RAN #ANARIA "ELLEVUE "EST 0ROPERTY !GENT
#ÉRDENAS 2EAL %STATE IS A FAMILY BUSINESS THAT HAS SPECIALIZED IN PROPERTY IN THE SOUTH OF 'RAN #ANARIA SINCE
1VFSUP 3JDP #BSSBODP "HVB MB 1FSSB
"SHVJOFHVĂ“O "MUPT EF "SHVJOFHVJO
0OF CFESPPNFE BQBSUNFOU MPDBUFE JO B XFMM LFQU DPNQMFY 'BOUBTUJD WJFXT UP UIF IBSCPVS BOE UIF TFB -BSHF UFSSBDF BOE UIF BQBSUNFOU JT GVSOJTIFE
'BOUBTUJD PQQPSUVOJUZ UP QVSDIBTF UIJT TNBMM HSPVQ PG IPVTFT CFESPPNT JO UPUBM MBSHF UFSSBDFT BOE B MBSHF QSJWBUF HBSBHF 0OMZ B NJOVUF XBML UP BMM BNFOJUJFT
3FG $( 1SJDF Č˝
3FG 0. 1SJDF Č˝
For Rent San AgustĂn
Amadores
Salobre Golf
"SHVJOFHVJO -PNB %PT
Price: 750â‚Ź/month Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1
Price: 500â‚Ź/month Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1
Price: 1800â‚Ź/month Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2
Fantastic bungalow for rent in San AgustĂn. Sea views and views of the dunes. Large, spacious terrace and only a few minutes from the shopping centre. Bungalow in very popular complex with heated pool, childrens area, pool bar, supermarket and tennis court.
Outstanding sea views over Amadores Beach with Tenerife in the distance. Very well kept residential complex. Fully furnished. There is offroad parking available for owners. Lovely swimming pool area and all immaculately kept.
Luxury frontline villa in Los Lagos. Beautiful gardens with large, heated private pool which has interior lighting in the night. The property has air-conditoning and heating. Decorated with modern furniture. The villa has outstanding views over the golf course and the lake. Beautiful property for longterm rental.
* Consult terms & conditions in store. Promotion is only valid until 31 August 2010. Not to be used in conjunction with any other store promotions.
Bring this voucher to the store and get
10% discount
When you spend over 300? on bathroom fittings & fixtures from our 'special needs' range
1MBZB EFM *OHMFT B
#FBVUJGVM MBSHF MVYVSZ BQBSUNFOU MPDBUFE JO UIF TPVHIU BGUFS BSFB PG -PNB %PT " UFSSBDF PG N¤ MBSHF QSJWBUF HBSBHF KBDV[[J DPNNVOBM QPPM BOE TFB WJFXT NBLFT UIJT BO JEFBM IPNF
] 5PXO PS "SFB $PNQMFY 'VMMZ SFGVSCJTIFE CFESPPNFE BQBSUNFOU *OTFSU UFYU IFSF 1MFBTF DIFDL GPS UFYU XJUI B MBSHF SPPG UFSSBDF DPOTFSWBUPSZ BOE SVO PĂľ BU UIF FOE PG UIF TFOUBODF JG ZPV Â? WJFXT PWFS 1MBZB EFM *OHMFT $PNNVOBM BSF DVUUJOH BOE QBTUJOH UFYU JO QPPM
3FG ", 1SJDF Č˝
3FG ", 1SJDF Č˝ 3FG " 1SJDF Č˝ 3FG " 1SJDF Č˝